Little Crow

Ronald G. (Little Crow/Konkontu Peauwe) Henries, Sr.
August 31, 1932 to October 26, 2012

Ronald G. (Little Crow/Konkontu Peauwe) Henries, Sr., 80, of Providence, RI was called home Friday, October 26, 2012 after a six-year battle with colorectal cancer. He was at home with his beloved family. The tribal statesman and Algonquin elder, revered for his cultural knowledge, contribution and legendary ceremonial pouches throughout Native America, was husband and soul-mate to his wife of 49 years, Carol C. (Johnston) Henries.

Visitation will be held at Bright Funeral Home, 290 Public St., Providence RI on Friday, November 2 from 7-9pm (additional parking across the street in Met School Complex). Principle ceremonies and honoring commences Saturday, November 3rd at 10am, Manning Chapel, Brown Univ., One Prospect St (corner of College Hill & Prospect) with visitation beginning at 9am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Providence Rescue Mission, 626 Cranston Street, Providence RI 02907, in memory of Ronald Little Crow Henries, Sr.

He was influenced by his mother, Elsie Isabella Henries. Little Crow, through the care and compassion of Annie (Seketau) and Hilton Thornley (a 3rd set of "grandparents") and under the guidance of New England Algonquin Elders. His mentors included Narrangansett Nation Chief Ed Red Sunset Mikels, Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck Elder, Frank Nichols and Narragansett Nation Chief Clearwater, Horatio S.B.Stanton. Because of their guidance Little Crow became a pioneer for change and leader for the betterment of native people throughout the head of Turtle Island/New England Region while earning respect from tribal nations around Native America and amongst general populations.

Predeceased by his youngest daughter Kim Little Fawn Henries, Little Crow is survived by daughters: Pamela Shining Star Henries- (John) Matthews , Toni Mitchell and Rhonda Henries Brings Plenty. Little Crow also remains represented by sons: Bryan (Denise) Johnson, George (April) Johnson, Hawk (Lisa) Henries, Dr. Jeffery (Maria) Johnson, Gary (Joann) Johnson, Mike (Nancy) Johnson, Marc (Maritza) Johnson, Joel (Valerie) Mitchell, Ronald (Pam) Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell, Derek Raven Henries and Darryl Eagle Feather Henries. Little Crow is survived by his sisters, Edith Giving Heart Crum, Dolores Hicks and Brother, Guy (Carol) Russell. He is predeceased by sister, Brenda (Robert) Hull and brothers, Edward (Lee) and Howard (Bo) Russell. He is further represented by 29 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, with extended family across the United States and abroad.

Little Crow's life experiences were bountiful and impacting. In the early years, his love for music was elevated during his tenure with music sensations the Castaleers and Dipsey and the Doodles. His gift of song was showcased early in his life with records and concerts that gained fame regionally, nationally and internationally.

A born advocate for human rights and quality of life issues, Little Crow under the Henries-Mansolillo Ticket, became the first Native American to serve on the Providence City Council. He was a trailblazer for change who advocated and empowered his constituents. In addition, he collaborated with numerous other leaders who also became stewards and architects for change including Charles Mansolillo, Michael Van Leesten, and the late Lloyd Griffin.

Little Crow, who was inspired by his confidant and close friend, Narragansett Nation Elder and Spiritual Leader Big Toe, redirected his time and energy from main stream issues to focus primarily on Native issues. Initially, Crow became a Board member of the RI Indian Council, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of indigenous people throughout the ancestral lands of Rhode Island. He would eventually work tirelessly around the region by serving in various capacities including; Rhode Island Indian Council Chairman, Rhode Island Indian Housing Commissioner, Nipmuc Nation Interim Tribal Chairman, Chaubunagungamaug Tribal Councilman, Hassanasmico Tribal Councilman, Nipmuck Tribal Acknowledgement President, Co-Founder of RI Algonquin Indian School, Founder of the RI Algonquin Indian School Powwow, Co-Founder of the RI Algonquin Indian School Spiritual Gatherings, Co-Founder of the Sterling Native Spiritual Gatherings, Founder of the Algonquin 1491 Drum Troupe, Founder of the Circle of Light Drum Troupe and has served as advisor/mentor to more than a half dozen tribal nations throughout the New England region.

HIS CONFIDANTS AND INNER CIRCLE INCLUDED:
1. Chief Spotted Eagle Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck Nation, Historian / Linguist / Educator
2. Jim Tall Pine Lewis / Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck Nation / Elder / Genealogical Historian
3. Harold Mad Dog Champlin, Narragansett Nation, Elder / Historian / Founder Providence Intertribal Winter Social
4. Big Toe Wilcox, Narragansett Nation Elder / Spiritual Leader
5. Slow Turtle, Supreme Medicine, Wampanoag Nation
6. Carol Red Sunset Curliss Palavra, Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuck Nation / Historian / Elder / Genealogist

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