Christine Dunham, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Advisory
Posted on Dec 30, 2008 by
Sherry LucasChristine, a tribal elder and story teller, attended an Indian boarding school but dropped out after 6th grade. However, when the Office of Economic Opportunity opened, she got her GED and was hired as a headstart teacher, teaching for 20 years. She is not a college graduate but has 73 credits towards a degree. She was asked to help develop an Indian Studies program and taught that for 8 years.
She was elected and served on the Tribal Council for 5 terms of two years each and is considering running again.
In 2003 she underwent successful cancer surgery and follow-up treatment and has been working every day at a local daycare center. At age 78, she considers it very important to stay active and set a good example for other tribal members.
Christine is married, has 12 children, 52 grandchildren and 63+ great grandchildren.