A Tragic Incident: A Community seeking Justice and Change
Chloe Ortega: Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer | October 24th, 2024 | Updated November 4th, 2024
Executive Order issued Thursday, October 24th, 2024, in response to the tragic incident that occurred Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024. Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
The Northern Cheyenne Reservation has been placed under a nightly lockdown from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am, effective starting Thursday, October 24th, 2024. This decision comes in light of a tragic incident that occurred on the previous evening on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, and will remain in effect until further notice is provided.
The Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services are actively conducting a thorough investigation into this serious incident. For those looking for the latest updates and information, please check the N.C. Investigative Services Facebook page for more details.
Marquez Amias Dion Deputee Ontiveros, Back to School Bash! Lame Deer, Montana August 15th, 2024 | Image credit: Chloe Ortega | Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Public Information Officer & Web Designer
Marquez Amias Dion Deputee Ontiveros, a loving son, cousin, nephew, grandson, friend who sadly passed away on October 25th, 2024. Below is an excerpt written by his family in his obituary for Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes.
“Marquez Amias Dion Deputee Ontiveros was born on May 5, 2016, at Billings Clinic to Samuel Deputee and Chonte Russell.
He’heenohvo’komaestse, “Black Bird White”, his name came from the late Johnny Russell, passed down to Leland Russell.
Our beloved Quez was taken from us on October 25, 2024, due to catastrophic injuries sustained from a gunshot wound. He was raised in Muddy Cluster “Muddy Crenshaw” where their family home is located. He lived with his mother and sister, Baya. His hobbies included basketball, riding horses and being with his family and friends. He loved playing basketball and when he stepped foot on the court, he was a natural and our All-Star Basketball player. He always said he wanted to be as great as his brother Morgan Hugs Jr. He had the opportunity to play in several basketball tournaments in the area. His basketball team “Renegades” took championship in Crow Agency, each won a bicycle. He was also our Champion in the rodeo arena. He loved riding horses and was beginning to learn how to rope. He didn’t have the opportunity to participate in any rodeos but did get to attend the Horse Medicine Day Camp that was held at the Yellow Bird Life Ways Arena in Lame Deer. Quez had the brightest smile that would light up any room that he entered. He had such a big heart and had so much love to share with anyone who he encountered with. He had a raspy voice along with a lisp that made his words even more sweet. He would always say “I love your outfit”, or “you look beautiful today” or “Damma” (Gramma).”
In the aftermath of this significant and tragic incident, it has sparked widespread public outcry for immediate change within the community. Members of the community are expressing their concerns and hopes for a better future. Many have taken to the Facebook to share their frustration. On Monday, October 28th, 2024, and Friday November 1st, 2024, there have been publicized meetings for the beginning stages of a Neighborhood Watch. The main message being “It is my business, make it your business.”