Lawrence Jace Killsback, Voaxaa’o Nestooestse (Screeching Eagle), was born on January 27, 1979 to Jacqueline Limpy Tang and Eddie Chitat Tang in Billings, MT . Jace is a sixth generation, direct descendant of Chief Dull Knife and the third son of the Tang Gang. He grew up in the Whiteriver District of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation (Busby, MT) with his two older brothers, Dion and Damion, his younger brother Leo, and his two younger sisters Zhona and Zena. Here, Jace and the love of his life, Emily, made a safe and healthy home for their five children on the Killsback Ranch.
As a child and young man, Jace was a student at Northern Cheyenne Tribal Schools, St. Labre Indian School, and Colstrip public schools. He graduated from Colstrip High School and earned numerous all-state academic and athletic awards in football and basketball. Jace earned several scholarships to attend the University of California-Berkeley where he continued to demonstrate discipline and dedication towards advancing skills in leadership, administration, and community organizing. Jace was an activist and part of numerous organizations that participated in protests and demonstrations advocating Indian rights and justice.
Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Native American Studies, Jace returned home to fulfill his promise to contribute his skills and talents to his hometown, community, and tribal nation. At first Jace struggled to find employment and resorted to small-time marijuana brokerage to make ends meet. Jace remained resilient and turned to Cheyenne spirituality.
Jace found new ways to contribute to uplifting those around him and applying his skills and talents. Jace organized open gyms and numerous basketball tournaments, which attracted independent legends from all corners of Indian country. Jace coached high school basketball for Northern Cheyenne Tribal and Lame Deer High Schools. He continued to coach throughout his life, with the strong belief that basketball and athletics were truly a path for young men to become warriors.
Jace earned rights as a “camp crier” and announced for numerous powwows, giveaways, and other events when summoned. Jace was deeply involved in traditional sweatlodge, dances, and other ceremonies, eventually completing four sun dances with his family. He facilitated the construction of the Busby Powwow grounds and was essential to the establishment of the White River Cheyenne Indian Days Celebration, which commemorates the Cheyenne victories at the Battle Where the Girl Saved Her Brother and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Because Jace was a natural leader, talented organizer, and a reliable friend to many, he entered government and was elected to tribal council representative and as tribal president. As a tribal leader, Jace modeled his leadership after his grandfather, Chief Dull Knife, dedicating his life to serving and protecting the Cheyenne homelands and future generations. Jace authored and supported numerous tribal and intertribal legislative decrees throughout his career as an elected leader. He was the tribal economic development planner and housing director. He overcame challenges of being a political leader while remaining a dedicated husband, father, and relative.
Jace continued to teach his children the value of education, athletics, and prayer.
Jace served on Tribal Council for White River/Busby District for 10 years before being 66th elected Northern Cheyenne tribal president and cordially impeached and re-elected in 2018, but not before suing and winning in U.S. Supreme Court against the first Donald Trump administration in 2017 for the pristine status of the air and water quality of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation lands.
Jace earned his Master’s of Public Health from the University of Montana, School of Public and Community Health in 2019.
Jace was a ceremonial man, a traditional dancer, and a high-ranking member of the Onehaa’e, the War Dancers Society. He was dedicated to the Cheyenne way of life and also respected the power of prayer and ritual among other cultures and peoples. While serving his debt to society in prison, Jace continued to practice traditional ways among his peers, often holding sweat lodge ceremonies.
In 2021 Jace was awarded the NIHB Heroes of Health Award for his work with Western Native Voice during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown. He was a true testament to leadership and advocacy for health and prosperity of the People.
Jace was an outspoken man and advocate for Indian people’s collective rights, often becoming a target for merely fighting for fairness, justice, and accountability. He was a charismatic leader who stood on intelligence, discipline, and experience. Yet Jace was the colleague, coworker, councilman, president, neighbor, friend, relative, that was always when you needed him the most. Jace was magnetic and attracted numerous friends from all over the country. He built meaningful relationships with so many who cannot all be named. Jace and his family will always remember you for your kindness and authenticity.
Jace is survived by his amazing wife Emily and his wonderful children, Jared, Lathan, Jacee, Lawrence Junior, Jacelyn; and Shyh; his brothers, Dion (Devin, Valor, Chitat, Secilia, Lena, Tokala), Damion (Daliyah, Konner, Kamden, Hattie), Leo (Maela, Leon, Tasbah); his sisters, Zhona, Ronnie Jo and Zena (Chander, Taizen) and his special niece Mia Marie Tang. Jace has numerous other brothers and sisters, uncles and aunties, nieces and nephews, and grandparents and friends throughout the Northern Cheyenne nation and Indian country.
Jace gives shout outs to Phillip Whiteman Jr., Charlene Alden, Jolene Walkslast, Talon Medicine Horse, Gordon Realbird, Tisha and Tasheena (who especially loved his food), sisters Rachel, Lorna, Mariah, Meredith McConnell and family, Mr. Wallace at NCTS, Sherman Findley, Kenny Smoker, Bryce Redgrave, AJ Espinoza and son, The 046 Brothers, Nolan Limberhand, Diane Spotted Elk, Denise Swank, the One’hahe Society, Cowboy Fisher, Leonard Littlewolf, Lloyd Hogan III, Vance Takes Enemy, Debra Horse Capture, Bunky Stewart, Spike and Kristi and family, Clarence Killsnight, Demarcus Hopkins, Eugene Little Coyote, Wendell Roundstone, Max Ling, Joel Brady, Rufus Spear, Seth Brady, Mike Chavez, Lee Pine. Jace also recognizes Ernest Little Mouth, Lawerence Pete Big Hair, Conrad Fisher, Ben Bearchum, Blue Long Jaw, Isiah Walks Along, Hubert BlackWolf.
Speakers: Dr Warren, Dorthy Dupree, Willis Buzenitz, Joe Walksalong Jr., Tracy Robinson. He would like to thank the Billings Clinic healthcare Team, Allie his nurse navigator, Jess his dietitian. All the nurses at the Cancer Center.
Paula Morin-Carter says
Rest in Peace and infinite Power Jace
Donna says
Jace was awesome condolences to the family he will be missed
Stella Seminole says
Rip sending hugs and prayers to the family.
kitte Coffin says
O, … my goodness! I’m so sorry to see that Jace is no longer with us! I’ll continue to pray for the family and those affected by this great loss.
Lisa Limpy-just says
Jesus bless his family with comfort and peace.
Wilburta Bigback says
Sending our condolences & prayers
Darryl & Ramey Growing Thunder Family says
Rest in Peace, prayers to your wife and children! Prayers to the Northern Cheyenne Nation grieving during this loss! 🙏🏽 🫶
Kimberly Spang says
Condolences to Emily and kids. Jace has always had a kind word and a handshake for me and my Family. If you were just meeting him for the first time, his welcoming smile made you feel welcome. May you rest in Peace and Prayers to his entire Family.
Alaina Buffalospirit says
My deepest condolences for the great loss of a fine, young man. All the blessings for Emily and their precious family ❤️ as well as the family.
Alaina Buffalospirit says
My deepest condolences for the great loss of a fine, young man. All the blessings for Emily and their precious children ❤️ as well as the family.