On October 18, 2014, Taa’evâho’ne’e was called home. He was born on August 26, 1956 to Otto Brady, Sr. and Agnes Killsnight at the family homestead in Greenleaf. As in Cheyenne Tradition he was raised by his grandparents Alec & Josie Brady and his Aunt and Uncle Charles & Annie Brady. Joe & Victoria Walksalong also adopted him. He was a direct descendant of Chief Little Wolf and Braided Hair.
He married Linda Wolfname on February 18, 1977. Together they raised six children at the family home in Lame Deer, Montana.
All his life, Steve was a Warrior for his people, a great spiritual and traditional leader who followed in the footsteps of his ancestors to preserve Cheyenne culture and history. The scope of his achievements is breathtaking. As an educator, he taught school at Lame Deer High School, teaching generations of students their rich past, for he believed that the past was not dead, but a living thing that was not even past. He was chairman of the Northern Cheyenne Culture Commission, working tirelessly to preserve traditional Cheyenne ways. He worked with the State of Montana and the National Park Service to set aside and properly interpret in perpetuity battle sites such as the Little Big Horn, Wolf Mountain, and Rosebud. He also played a leading role in setting aside Medicine Deer Rocks, located just outside the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, as a National Historic Landmark.
His work to preserve the sacred grounds of the Medicine Wheel in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming and the Sand Creek Massacre in southeastern Colorado deserve special recognition. For over two decades and working with a coalition of Indian peoples, Steve successfully led the movement to create the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, which was declared in 2011, so future generations may revere and pray at that sacred place.
His Sand Creek involvement began in the 1980s. In 1993, Steve joined with the State of Colorado, the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wind River, Wyoming, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma to locate the true site of the massacre. In 1998, the National Park Service also joined this effort, along with Kiowa County, Colorado, county commissioners and local landowners. Later that year, Steve was invited to the Oval Office of the White House to witness President William Jefferson Clinton sign the landmark legislation to create the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site under the management of the National Park Service. And to ensure the passage of that bill, he testified numerous times before committees of the United States Senate. The national site opened to the public in 2007—in large part due to Steve’s unrelenting determination to honor the Cheyenne ancestors who died there on November 29, 1864, fighting for their freedom and way of life. After the creation of the park, Steve still did not think his work was complete. He powerfully led the successful efforts to repatriate to the site those individuals whose remains were scattered in various museums and repositories across the United States. They now rest in the cemetery located on the site.
It should also be said that Steve honorably served his country in the United State Marine Corps. He was a former Sacred Hat Keeper and Headsmen of the Crazy Dog Society. He was a member of the Native American church and an avid hunter and fisherman.
One writer, who wrote about the tragedy of Sand Creek and the twenty-two-year struggle to preserve the memory of it, said of Steve Brady: “He was one of the finest and most powerful and most caring and most brilliant people I’ve ever met in my entire life. His decency and passion and intellect and strength were so immense that I cannot fathom a world without him. He was, in every sense I can think of, a great person.”
His kind—loving husband, father, uncle and papa, dedicated public servant and educator, veteran, giving friend–rarely walks among us. He was a true Cheyenne leader, preserving and defending the Cheyenne way of life so others may enjoy it.
Survivors include his wife Linda, his beloved children, Carmen, Stephanie & Roy Fisher Sr., Dana & Alice, Steven Jr. & Tawnya, Josephine, Jonathan & Sis, Joey Little Bird and Manny Lone Elk; his beloved grandchildren Christopher, Roy Jr , Clayton, Al Gene, Patrick Steven, Bernadine, Bryan, Vince, Alliana, Dathanyel, Jeran, and Marley; His siblings, Merrill Killsnight, Sr.,Lavonda Brady, Elizabeth Braided Hair, Theresa Small (Vernon), Marie Sanchez, Rosella Pongah (Jim Mann), Otto Braided Hair, Jr. (Barbara), Martin Braided Hair (Jonnie), Gilbert Brady, Gilbert White Dirt, Wilmer Mesteth, William Walksalong, David Halaas, Roger Cummins; Sister-in-law, Lenora, Carla, Colette, and Rolette; Aunts, Irene Bearquiver and Laretha (Ed) Grinsell; Special friends Judee Anderson, Jack Trope, Dallas Ross, Jerry Flute, Alexa Roberts, Jack Bailey, Father Peter Powell, Sterling Watan, Dan Rooney and the STEELER Nation; many nieces and nephews, and all Crazy Dog Society members; Colleagues at the National Park Service, Lame Deer High School, MPC, and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Alec & Josie Brady, Charles & Annie Brady, Joe & Victoria Walksalong, Ray Brady, Luke Brady, Joseph Lonewolf, Theresa Lynn Rising Sun, Barry Brady, Joseph Curtis, Lee Lonebear, Roger Old Mouse Sr.; Family’s Braided Hair, Brady, Killsnight, Bear Comes Out, Whistling Elk, White Dirt, Black Horse.
A special thanks to Billings Clinic.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 pm
Tuesday October 21, 2014
Brady Family Home
Old Mouse Lane
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Wednesday October 22, 2014
Brady Family Home
Old Mouse Lane
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Share
William & Clarice Walksalong, & family says
Our prayers go out to the family. Rest in peace brother, you no longer have pain. I know you will put in a good word for us when we ask for prayers. You will make sure all of our historical unfinished work will be successful. – Brother Bill and family.
Jake & Shanny Spang Gion & Family says
To the Brady/Braided Hair Family: So very sorry for your loss. Jake and I will always remember and are grateful for the conversations/story-telling Steve shared with us. He was an amazing person. You are all in our prayers…
Glenda Littlebird and family says
Prayers to the Brady family. Rest in peace dear Steve!
David & Deanna Small family says
Our deepest condolences to Steve’s family! He was truly a great leader, teacher for the Northern Cheyenne Nation! He will be missed. Prayers to the family!
Clayton & Lisa Mason says
We are so sorry for your loss Linda, we are praying for you and the family.
Bill Dawson says
To the Brady/Braided Hair families,
Steve was a great friend and mentor to me and I will miss him greatly. His work on the Sand Creek project brought him to me and my wife, Tootie, and he graciously “adopted” us into his large family of friends. He did his best to educate us into Cheyenne ways and customs and laughed with us when we sometimes failed to learn his lessons. He was a gifted spokesman for his People and will be sorely missed by all – both Indian and non Indian.
I truly loved him and share your grief.
William Rowland says
Steve was a good friend of mine . I knew him since we were around 5 or 7 years old.
Steve will be missed by a lot of people, He was a very humble man and a man of his ward.
Rest in Peace my friend…
Kim Bigback & Alex Hopkins says
Rest in peace Uncle Steve & Grandpa Steve. You will be truly missed by us. Prayers of peace and comfort surround all the family at this grieving time. Our hearts are with you always..
Mary and Jolyn Dillon says
Our sincere sympathy to all of the family. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. May it be comforting knowing that we will see our loved ones again.
Mary and Jolyn Dillon
Michael and Cindy Burns says
Rest in peace Steve, prayers to the family
Geri Small says
Prayers for the family, Steve was a true warrior and great leader for the Cheyenne people. He will be missed by many people. I am so thankful for the great work and his efforts he put fourth on behalf of the Cheyenne people and did so with pride and integrity. Good journey Steve
Jack and Carol Bailey says
We will miss Steve. He was a good man and a great friend. Our prayers go out to the family.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun says
Prayers & Condolences to Linda, children & family of Steve. He was a very Respected Cheyenne Man/Elder of our Tribe. This is sad a great man has left but may he Rest In Peace. Ann (Strange Owl) KHG & Family
DENISE SWANK says
SORRY FOR THE LOSS, PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. IT IS A SAD TIME FOR ALL CHEYENNES; OUR TRIBE HAS LOST A GREAT MAN AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF OUR PEOPLE. HE WILL BE MISSED.
Dorothy FireCloud says
My deepest condolences to the Brady family. I worked closely with Steve while working as Superintendent at Devils Tower (Mato Tipila) National Monument. His contributions to our management of the Tower were invaluable. Prayers for his peaceful journey home.
Lisa Old Mouse says
Creator, we pray to you for comfort and strength in the days ahead for the family of Taa’evâho’ne’e.
He was their rock, their shield, and backbone of strength… and a pillar within the community. As they call on You in the days ahead, listen to their hearts and shine your love upon them.
Suzan Shown Harjo says
My deep condolences to the Brady extended family. Steve Brady was an excellent leader in the movement to protect Native ancestors and sacred places. His passing is a great loss, not only to his relatives, his society and the Cheyenne Nation, but to all those who struggle for human rights and justice for Native Peoples. Much sorrow. Much sadness. Aho. His Sis, Suzan Shown Harjo
Dorothy Seminole & family says
My deepest condolences to the Brady family, sorry for your loss sending hugs and prayers.
Jerome Greene says
I learned of Steve’s passing on Sunday from an Oglala holy man at the Lakota college in Kyle, South Dakota. I was stunned, but I guess not really surprised. I’m greatly saddened. Steve was a wonderful person and a teacher who will be remembered for his many accomplishments. I knew him as a terrific leader in the cultural preservation movement among the Cheyennes (and other tribes, as well), and he was repeatedly of major help to the various NPS efforts. He was remarkable to work with on Sand Creek, when I and others first met him. He had a quiet but sure demeanor that made people like and respect him, and he accomplished a lot over the years. He also had an extremely friendly and humorous side that I found precious. I saw him last at the dedication of the Deer Medicine Rocks NHL about two years ago. I feel honored to have known him, and I’ll miss him greatly. Jerry
Jim Jenks says
Steve Brady was one of the kindest, warmest men I have ever met. He was also proud and strong and tireless in the defense of Cheyenne culture and heritage. He was a protector, with a strong intellect that I and so many others respected greatly. Steve, with his brother Otto, took me under his wing years ago, taking the time to teach me about Cheyenne history and tradition. I did my best to understand, and Steve’s words are never far from me. I will miss him tremendously and wish Mr. Brady peace as he continues his journey.
George Birtic says
Steve will be a great loss for the Northern Cheyenne. He was so important in keeping the Northern Cheyenne culture alive, and instilling Cheyenne culture and ways among the young….his contributions will never be forgotten. My sympathy to the Brady family…
Andrita Harris says
Brady Family
Prayers out to Brady Family for your loss. My deepest Sympathy.
Debbie Shaw says
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Steve personally but all the love that’s been poured out is a testament to the man he was. Your family is in my prayers as I look forward to the time when God will swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. (Isaiah 25:8)
Christine Whitacre says
Steve was one of the most remarkable people I have ever known, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. I was blessed to have been able to work with him on Sand Creek, as well as the National Historic Landmark nominations for Rosebud, Wolf Mountains, and Medicine Deer Rocks. He was an inspirational and amazing person — intelligent and kind, with a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss him very much. My deepest condolences to the Brady family.
Colette M. Polite says
My dear, sweet Sister Linda: I am so sorry that I could not attend the wake and services. Please know that I am holding each of you up in prayers and sending you long-distance hugs n comforts. I love you Linda. And to all of my beautiful nieces and nephews and grandchildren, please know that your Aunt Cokey cares for you deeply.
The Cometsevah Family says
Otto, Barbara, & Family.
With heavy hearts, we are sadden to hear of Steve’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with each and every one of you at this time. We are sorry that we could not be there for the services and the wake. Please let us know what we can do. Your family is forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Daniel & Lillian Big Man says
To Linda and family,
We were saddened to hear of Steve’s passing on but I am sure that he is smiling down on each and every one of you. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Peter Canby says
It’s a long time after Steve’s death to learn of it. I was just talking about him with a friend and went to look him up. I spent time in Lame Deer with him years ago and have always cherished the memory. I hoped that one day i’d come back and visit and we’d pick it up where we left off. I loved this man and hope not only that his soul rests in peace but that it continues to inspire others, as it did me.
Bob Larson says
I am very saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. I worked with Steve, Luke and Otto for many years trying to find a way to manage the Medicine Wheel in a way that was respectful of traditional Native American ways. Steve was a great teacher, intelligent, inspirational and tirelessly fought for the rights of his people. He took the time to be my friend as well my teacher to help me to understand why places like the Medicine wheel need to be preserved for future generations. My condolences go out to Steves family. He will be missed greatly!