Dr. Russell L. Blackbird

I am Dr. Russell L. Blackbird. I am an enrolled member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa. My wife of 53 years is Ann E. Blackbird who is an enrolled member of the Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado. We have one daughter, Twyla and our deceased son’s name is Travis. After living the first 42 years of our married life in Lawrence, Kansas, we retired and moved to Ignacio, Colorado.

I am a 1968 graduate of prestigious Lawrence High School, Lawrence, Kansas. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Teacher Education (1972), and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas (1984), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction, and Evaluation from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas (2004). After 40 years, I retired as a professional educator in 2009 having spent my career as classroom teacher at Schwegler School and Riverside School for 16 years and a secondary principal at South Junior High School for 17 years; a college Dean of the School of Education and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Haskell Indian Nation University for 5 years; one year as a classroom teacher at Omaha Nation School, Macy, Nebraska: one year as a classroom teacher at San Filipe Indian Pueblo School, San Filipe, New Mexico. Every year of my career was extraordinary and a wonderful learning experience.

I have always maintained my knowledge of my Omaha Indian culture, following the teachings of my elders. I am a direct descendent from two Omaha Chiefs: Chief Blackbird (early 1800’s) and Chief Joseph LaFlesche (late 1800’s). My Omaha name is White Horse – ShuNge’cka, given to me on the 4th day of my life. I am from the Earth Makers Clan of the Sky People. In 1986, my father and other tribal spiritual leaders authorized me to pray for people. I tell my young relatives that I was born Omaha, I was raised Omaha, and I will die Omaha.

I am also a United States Veteran, having served for six years in the Kansas Army National Guard.

In my everyday life, I enjoy landscaping my yard and caring for my flower gardens. As a retired educator I have always advocated for and encouraged reading. I read for pleasure every day of my life. I always have a book in my hand. I also enjoy collecting Native American art from other tribes. I also bead Native American items for tribal regalias, and jewelry. In sports, I am an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas State University, and sometimes the University of Kansas. And, of course the Lawrence High School Lions.

I am deeply humbled and honored to be named to the Lawrence High School Hall of Honor!!