Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Former Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Vice Chairman Glynn Crooks died on Wednesday, the community announced on social media Wednesday. He was 67.
Crooks served as the vice chairman of the community for 16 years. In a post to Twitter, SMSC said Crooks proudly represented the tribe on both a local and national level.
In 1976, Crooks visited the White House as a tribal representative to present a peace pipe to the United States. The visit sparked a passion for presidential memorabilia.
In 2003, Crooks built a replica of the oval office in his own home — exact in measurements and decor, with the exception being an eagle and peace pipe design replacing where the presidential seal would be on the floor.
In addition to the oval office, Crooks collected memorabilia pertaining to presidents, Native Americans, the military, Elvis Presley, the Wizard of Oz and various musicians.
Crooks graduated from Shakopee High School in 1969. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school and served in the Vietnam War. In 1992, he presented a peace pipe at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery.
He was trained in Native American regalia and often made appearances at local and national events on behalf of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Crooks was also the long-time chairman of the community's Pow Wow, Wacipi.
In a Southwest News Media article from 2012, Crooks said his memorable accomplishments from serving as vice chairman included improving relations with local governments and helping other tribes.
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