Statement by Chairman Alvin “A.J.” Not Afraid, Jr. - Recognition of Israel's Rightful Capital - December 8, 2017
"I am pleased by yesterday’s news that President Trump has fulfilled his promise to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital. He is keeping faith with Americans and Israelis alike, who have spent decades supporting this just and fair commitment. On behalf of the Crow Nation, I am honored to join the President in recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital.
The Crow people know what it means to work for peace. We understand what it means to yearn for recognition by the world that traditional homelands are important to the people who belong to them. In that way, we share a common bond with the Jewish people and the citizens of Israel. May their new capital find peace, joy and good medicine."
- Alvin "A.J." Not Afraid, Jr. Chairman, Crow Tribe of Indians
CHAIRMAN NOT AFRAID PUBLIC STATEMENT LODGE GRASS INCIDENT
Good evening. It is with deep sadness that I speak to you tonight. Yesterday, a mass shooting took place in Lodge Grass, Montana. The investigation, though ongoing, has already determined that the incident was related to methamphetamine.
I want to offer my condolences to the family and friends of those involved. I ask all Crow Members, and all Montanans, to pray for those of us affected by this tragedy as we mourn the loss of life.
Families include: Blaine, White, Nomee, Hunts the Arrow, Stewart, Morning, Hoops, Falls Down, Takes the Horse and Not Afraid.
Since 2015 I have observed the lack of law enforcement and emergency health services in the 6 communities throughout the crow Indian reservation.
The shortage of law enforcement and emergency health services are more prevalent today.
Currently the local BIA Law Enforcement has half the workforce positions vacant.
Due to these unoccupied positions it puts a heavy burden on the current Law Enforcement working hard to ensure public safety in these communities.
We have amended our budget to hire 3 tribal Law Enforcement officers which shall commend duties this week.
This does not solve the problem in its entirety. We shall continue to amend our budget for emergency medical services and rehabilitation services.
The cost of fighting METH is substantial, which takes prevention, awareness, enforcement and rehabilitation.
I would like to thank the BIA LE, Big Horn County Sheriffs office, Big Horn County Ambulance services, FBI, Highway Patrol and the Crow Tribal Security during yesterday's tragic incident that took the lives of 3 individuals.
Drugs have a devastating affect on our communities, and yesterday’s incident is a reminder of that. But the coming days and weeks will prove the strength of the Crow Community as we come together to find healing and hope, where today we feel pain and loss. Thank you, and may God grant us the wisdom to find peace. Aho.
Alvin Not Afraid Jr, Chairman Crow Tribe of Indians