Michael Burdette Jandreau was born October 20, 1943 at the Ft. Thompson hospital in Ft. Thompson, SD to Leo (Tete) Burdette Jandreau and Dorothy Belva (Langdeau) Jandreau Jones.
As a young child, Michael spent a great deal of time with his paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Gertrude (St. Pierre) Jandreau and his maternal grandparents Joseph and Lottie (DeShequette) Langdeau and he often spoke fondly of their teachings and the many memories that he shared with his older siblings and cousins. He had a profound respect for his grandparents and the closeness of all of his relatives. Michael and his relatives were taught at an early age that family love and loyalty were the basis of a happy and fulfilling life. He often shared family history and anecdotes with those around him with a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle in his voice. Those that knew him, knew that he could be as tough as nails and hard when necessary, but they also knew at core he was a kind, gentle and generous soul.
Growing up on the Reservation, Michael saw how the tribe and its members, including himself, were affected by the many overwhelming changes to the social and cultural fabric of Tribal life. As a young person, he witnessed the enticements of relocation, and the push by the federal government to transition tribal society from a subsistence economy to a money based economy. Michael was also painfully aware of the double-edged role that the Catholic Indian mission schools (where he was educated) played in providing an excellent education and discipline on the one hand, and in shattering the importance of traditional tribal social and cultural relationships on the other. He had a deep and abiding love for the Catholic Church. But, he also believed that the role the mission schools played in the forced "assimilation" policies of the United States government, created a conflict for tribal people (including himself), which he devoted his life to help resolve. He had a transcendent belief in the concepts of "Reconciliation" and "Redemption" and he graciously applied them to all aspects of his life and to those around him.
Michael was guided throughout his development by an intense belief in tribal sovereignty and a passionate commitment to economic development and self-sufficiency. These beliefs were built on a foundation of faith in his fellow man, and guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Sioux Ancestors.
Trade and barter were a necessary part of tribal life during Michaels childhood. As he was growing up, hunting, fishing and gathering were still a vital part of survival for tribal people. Deeply ingrained in Michael's upbringing was the notion of self-sufficiency and hard work. His parents and grandparents subsisted for the most part off the land. The men folk hunted, fished, trapped and raised livestock, and the women folk harvested, gathered, gardened and raised chickens and other small animals to provide food and limited income for the family's well being. The lessons and skills he learned as a youth inspired him through his entire life. Michael hunted, trapped and raised livestock to support his family and was always quick to share what he had earned.
Michael was the visionary leader for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for over 40 years. He was first elected to the Tribal Council in the early 1970s. Known to many as “Mike or Michael B.” he was the senior Tribal Chairman in South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains.
As Tribal Chairman, Michael was often recognized throughout both the state and the country as a longtime advocate for Indian people. His knowledge and expertise on Indian business development, tribal sovereignty and agriculture resulted in many positive developments for Sioux country and the region. He supported and continued to successfully advocate for the Lower Brule school system and the establishment of the Lower Brule Community College. He also successfully advocated for comprehensive health services and a full service IHS clinic at Lower Brule.
His leadership and his vision of a diverse and innovative economy, led to the creation of the Lower Brule Farm Corporation and Ranch, the Lower Brule Employment Enterprise, the Lower Brule Wildlife Program, and an agricultural food processing enterprise, Lakota Foods. Michael often credited previous leaders of the Tribe, fellow Council members and the membership of the Tribe for sharing his belief in American Indian's ability to become self-sufficient and economically independent.
Over the course of his service, Chairman Jandreau’s leadership abilities and expertise were acknowledged by his appointment to serve on numerous regional and national boards and committees. He was a member of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Reorganization Committee, represented the Northern Plains Region on the BIA Trust Fund Consultation Task Force and served on the USDA’s and the South Dakota Historic Preservation's Native American Advisory Committees, as well as the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. He was honored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for his work in advancing the Nation’s Indian housing programs.
Michael was nationally known for establishing an aggressive land purchasing program developed to re-enfranchise his people’s connection to their homelands. In 2013, he was recognized as an “Eminent Farmer” by South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. He was central to the establishment of the Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place and the Alliance for Tribal Tourism Advocates.
He had close relationships with almost all of the Northern Plains Tribal leadership, as well as many South Dakota state and federal government leaders. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, he testified before the U.S. Congress and the South Dakota State Legislature in support of Tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, the Congress enacted the Lower Brule Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act, and Title VI of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. He was instrumental in developing the US Army Corp of Engineers Missouri River Programmatic Agreement and continuously fought for the preservation and protection of cultural and sacred resources in the Northern Plains. In all things, Michael was known for his integrity, his honesty, his generosity and his humility.
Michael was united in marriage to his wife Jackie on August 19, 1964. They were married for 47 years and she preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Leo (Tete) and Dorothy, his sons Martin and Kim, his brother Jerauld, cousins Arlen, Dean, Andy & Alvin, nephews Blaine, J.D., and Austin, grandsons Bridger & Romeo, All Aunts and Uncles except Rose Rita, and adopted relatives Joseph Noah and Altwin Grassrope.
He is survived by his Aunt Rose, daughters Rhonda, Amy, Mary and Lynn, and sons Michael, Patrick, Jeffrey and Jerauld, All of his Beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, his step-father David Jones, sisters Barbara, Janice and Karen, and brothers Terry, Vance and Scott.
Michael was educated in the Catholic Indian Mission School systems in South Dakota graduating from St. Josephs Indian Mission in May of 1957 and from Immaculate Conception High School in May of 1961, he was a life-long devoted Catholic who cherished the Church, his family and his many friends.
As a young child, Michael spent a great deal of time with his paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Gertrude (St. Pierre) Jandreau and his maternal grandparents Joseph and Lottie (DeShequette) Langdeau and he often spoke fondly of their teachings and the many memories that he shared with his older siblings and cousins. He had a profound respect for his grandparents and the closeness of all of his relatives. Michael and his relatives were taught at an early age that family love and loyalty were the basis of a happy and fulfilling life. He often shared family history and anecdotes with those around him with a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle in his voice. Those that knew him, knew that he could be as tough as nails and hard when necessary, but they also knew at core he was a kind, gentle and generous soul.
Growing up on the Reservation, Michael saw how the tribe and its members, including himself, were affected by the many overwhelming changes to the social and cultural fabric of Tribal life. As a young person, he witnessed the enticements of relocation, and the push by the federal government to transition tribal society from a subsistence economy to a money based economy. Michael was also painfully aware of the double-edged role that the Catholic Indian mission schools (where he was educated) played in providing an excellent education and discipline on the one hand, and in shattering the importance of traditional tribal social and cultural relationships on the other. He had a deep and abiding love for the Catholic Church. But, he also believed that the role the mission schools played in the forced "assimilation" policies of the United States government, created a conflict for tribal people (including himself), which he devoted his life to help resolve. He had a transcendent belief in the concepts of "Reconciliation" and "Redemption" and he graciously applied them to all aspects of his life and to those around him.
Michael was guided throughout his development by an intense belief in tribal sovereignty and a passionate commitment to economic development and self-sufficiency. These beliefs were built on a foundation of faith in his fellow man, and guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Sioux Ancestors.
Trade and barter were a necessary part of tribal life during Michaels childhood. As he was growing up, hunting, fishing and gathering were still a vital part of survival for tribal people. Deeply ingrained in Michael's upbringing was the notion of self-sufficiency and hard work. His parents and grandparents subsisted for the most part off the land. The men folk hunted, fished, trapped and raised livestock, and the women folk harvested, gathered, gardened and raised chickens and other small animals to provide food and limited income for the family's well being. The lessons and skills he learned as a youth inspired him through his entire life. Michael hunted, trapped and raised livestock to support his family and was always quick to share what he had earned.
Michael was the visionary leader for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for over 40 years. He was first elected to the Tribal Council in the early 1970s. Known to many as “Mike or Michael B.” he was the senior Tribal Chairman in South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains.
As Tribal Chairman, Michael was often recognized throughout both the state and the country as a longtime advocate for Indian people. His knowledge and expertise on Indian business development, tribal sovereignty and agriculture resulted in many positive developments for Sioux country and the region. He supported and continued to successfully advocate for the Lower Brule school system and the establishment of the Lower Brule Community College. He also successfully advocated for comprehensive health services and a full service IHS clinic at Lower Brule.
His leadership and his vision of a diverse and innovative economy, led to the creation of the Lower Brule Farm Corporation and Ranch, the Lower Brule Employment Enterprise, the Lower Brule Wildlife Program, and an agricultural food processing enterprise, Lakota Foods. Michael often credited previous leaders of the Tribe, fellow Council members and the membership of the Tribe for sharing his belief in American Indian's ability to become self-sufficient and economically independent.
Over the course of his service, Chairman Jandreau’s leadership abilities and expertise were acknowledged by his appointment to serve on numerous regional and national boards and committees. He was a member of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Reorganization Committee, represented the Northern Plains Region on the BIA Trust Fund Consultation Task Force and served on the USDA’s and the South Dakota Historic Preservation's Native American Advisory Committees, as well as the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. He was honored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for his work in advancing the Nation’s Indian housing programs.
Michael was nationally known for establishing an aggressive land purchasing program developed to re-enfranchise his people’s connection to their homelands. In 2013, he was recognized as an “Eminent Farmer” by South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. He was central to the establishment of the Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place and the Alliance for Tribal Tourism Advocates.
He had close relationships with almost all of the Northern Plains Tribal leadership, as well as many South Dakota state and federal government leaders. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, he testified before the U.S. Congress and the South Dakota State Legislature in support of Tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, the Congress enacted the Lower Brule Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act, and Title VI of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. He was instrumental in developing the US Army Corp of Engineers Missouri River Programmatic Agreement and continuously fought for the preservation and protection of cultural and sacred resources in the Northern Plains. In all things, Michael was known for his integrity, his honesty, his generosity and his humility.
Michael was united in marriage to his wife Jackie on August 19, 1964. They were married for 47 years and she preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Leo (Tete) and Dorothy, his sons Martin and Kim, his brother Jerauld, cousins Arlen, Dean, Andy & Alvin, nephews Blaine, J.D., and Austin, grandsons Bridger & Romeo, All Aunts and Uncles except Rose Rita, and adopted relatives Joseph Noah and Altwin Grassrope.
He is survived by his Aunt Rose, daughters Rhonda, Amy, Mary and Lynn, and sons Michael, Patrick, Jeffrey and Jerauld, All of his Beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, his step-father David Jones, sisters Barbara, Janice and Karen, and brothers Terry, Vance and Scott.
Michael was educated in the Catholic Indian Mission School systems in South Dakota graduating from St. Josephs Indian Mission in May of 1957 and from Immaculate Conception High School in May of 1961, he was a life-long devoted Catholic who cherished the Church, his family and his many friends.
Michael Burdette Jandreau was born October 20, 1943 at the Ft. Thompson hospital in Ft. Thompson, SD to Leo (Tete) Burdette Jandreau and Dorothy Belva (Langdeau) Jandreau Jones.
As a young child, Michael spent a great deal of time with his paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Gertrude (St. Pierre) Jandreau and his maternal grandparents Joseph and Lottie (DeShequette) Langdeau and he often spoke fondly of their teachings and the many memories that he shared with his older siblings and cousins. He had a profound respect for his grandparents and the closeness of all of his relatives. Michael and his relatives were taught at an early age that family love and loyalty were the basis of a happy and fulfilling life. He often shared family history and anecdotes with those around him with a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle in his voice. Those that knew him, knew that he could be as tough as nails and hard when necessary, but they also knew at core he was a kind, gentle and generous soul.
Growing up on the Reservation, Michael saw how the tribe and its members, including himself, were affected by the many overwhelming changes to the social and cultural fabric of Tribal life. As a young person, he witnessed the enticements of relocation, and the push by the federal government to transition tribal society from a subsistence economy to a money based economy. Michael was also painfully aware of the double-edged role that the Catholic Indian mission schools (where he was educated) played in providing an excellent education and discipline on the one hand, and in shattering the importance of traditional tribal social and cultural relationships on the other. He had a deep and abiding love for the Catholic Church. But, he also believed that the role the mission schools played in the forced "assimilation" policies of the United States government, created a conflict for tribal people (including himself), which he devoted his life to help resolve. He had a transcendent belief in the concepts of "Reconciliation" and "Redemption" and he graciously applied them to all aspects of his life and to those around him.
Michael was guided throughout his development by an intense belief in tribal sovereignty and a passionate commitment to economic development and self-sufficiency. These beliefs were built on a foundation of faith in his fellow man, and guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Sioux Ancestors.
Trade and barter were a necessary part of tribal life during Michaels childhood. As he was growing up, hunting, fishing and gathering were still a vital part of survival for tribal people. Deeply ingrained in Michael's upbringing was the notion of self-sufficiency and hard work. His parents and grandparents subsisted for the most part off the land. The men folk hunted, fished, trapped and raised livestock, and the women folk harvested, gathered, gardened and raised chickens and other small animals to provide food and limited income for the family's well being. The lessons and skills he learned as a youth inspired him through his entire life. Michael hunted, trapped and raised livestock to support his family and was always quick to share what he had earned.
Michael was the visionary leader for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for over 40 years. He was first elected to the Tribal Council in the early 1970s. Known to many as “Mike or Michael B.” he was the senior Tribal Chairman in South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains.
As Tribal Chairman, Michael was often recognized throughout both the state and the country as a longtime advocate for Indian people. His knowledge and expertise on Indian business development, tribal sovereignty and agriculture resulted in many positive developments for Sioux country and the region. He supported and continued to successfully advocate for the Lower Brule school system and the establishment of the Lower Brule Community College. He also successfully advocated for comprehensive health services and a full service IHS clinic at Lower Brule.
His leadership and his vision of a diverse and innovative economy, led to the creation of the Lower Brule Farm Corporation and Ranch, the Lower Brule Employment Enterprise, the Lower Brule Wildlife Program, and an agricultural food processing enterprise, Lakota Foods. Michael often credited previous leaders of the Tribe, fellow Council members and the membership of the Tribe for sharing his belief in American Indian's ability to become self-sufficient and economically independent.
Over the course of his service, Chairman Jandreau’s leadership abilities and expertise were acknowledged by his appointment to serve on numerous regional and national boards and committees. He was a member of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Reorganization Committee, represented the Northern Plains Region on the BIA Trust Fund Consultation Task Force and served on the USDA’s and the South Dakota Historic Preservation's Native American Advisory Committees, as well as the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. He was honored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for his work in advancing the Nation’s Indian housing programs.
Michael was nationally known for establishing an aggressive land purchasing program developed to re-enfranchise his people’s connection to their homelands. In 2013, he was recognized as an “Eminent Farmer” by South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. He was central to the establishment of the Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place and the Alliance for Tribal Tourism Advocates.
He had close relationships with almost all of the Northern Plains Tribal leadership, as well as many South Dakota state and federal government leaders. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, he testified before the U.S. Congress and the South Dakota State Legislature in support of Tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, the Congress enacted the Lower Brule Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act, and Title VI of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. He was instrumental in developing the US Army Corp of Engineers Missouri River Programmatic Agreement and continuously fought for the preservation and protection of cultural and sacred resources in the Northern Plains. In all things, Michael was known for his integrity, his honesty, his generosity and his humility.
Michael was united in marriage to his wife Jackie on August 19, 1964. They were married for 47 years and she preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Leo (Tete) and Dorothy, his sons Martin and Kim, his brother Jerauld, cousins Arlen, Dean, Andy & Alvin, nephews Blaine, J.D., and Austin, grandsons Bridger & Romeo, All Aunts and Uncles except Rose Rita, and adopted relatives Joseph Noah and Altwin Grassrope.
He is survived by his Aunt Rose, daughters Rhonda, Amy, Mary and Lynn, and sons Michael, Patrick, Jeffrey and Jerauld, All of his Beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, his step-father David Jones, sisters Barbara, Janice and Karen, and brothers Terry, Vance and Scott.
Michael was educated in the Catholic Indian Mission School systems in South Dakota graduating from St. Josephs Indian Mission in May of 1957 and from Immaculate Conception High School in May of 1961, he was a life-long devoted Catholic who cherished the Church, his family and his many friends.
As a young child, Michael spent a great deal of time with his paternal grandparents, Lawrence and Gertrude (St. Pierre) Jandreau and his maternal grandparents Joseph and Lottie (DeShequette) Langdeau and he often spoke fondly of their teachings and the many memories that he shared with his older siblings and cousins. He had a profound respect for his grandparents and the closeness of all of his relatives. Michael and his relatives were taught at an early age that family love and loyalty were the basis of a happy and fulfilling life. He often shared family history and anecdotes with those around him with a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle in his voice. Those that knew him, knew that he could be as tough as nails and hard when necessary, but they also knew at core he was a kind, gentle and generous soul.
Growing up on the Reservation, Michael saw how the tribe and its members, including himself, were affected by the many overwhelming changes to the social and cultural fabric of Tribal life. As a young person, he witnessed the enticements of relocation, and the push by the federal government to transition tribal society from a subsistence economy to a money based economy. Michael was also painfully aware of the double-edged role that the Catholic Indian mission schools (where he was educated) played in providing an excellent education and discipline on the one hand, and in shattering the importance of traditional tribal social and cultural relationships on the other. He had a deep and abiding love for the Catholic Church. But, he also believed that the role the mission schools played in the forced "assimilation" policies of the United States government, created a conflict for tribal people (including himself), which he devoted his life to help resolve. He had a transcendent belief in the concepts of "Reconciliation" and "Redemption" and he graciously applied them to all aspects of his life and to those around him.
Michael was guided throughout his development by an intense belief in tribal sovereignty and a passionate commitment to economic development and self-sufficiency. These beliefs were built on a foundation of faith in his fellow man, and guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Sioux Ancestors.
Trade and barter were a necessary part of tribal life during Michaels childhood. As he was growing up, hunting, fishing and gathering were still a vital part of survival for tribal people. Deeply ingrained in Michael's upbringing was the notion of self-sufficiency and hard work. His parents and grandparents subsisted for the most part off the land. The men folk hunted, fished, trapped and raised livestock, and the women folk harvested, gathered, gardened and raised chickens and other small animals to provide food and limited income for the family's well being. The lessons and skills he learned as a youth inspired him through his entire life. Michael hunted, trapped and raised livestock to support his family and was always quick to share what he had earned.
Michael was the visionary leader for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for over 40 years. He was first elected to the Tribal Council in the early 1970s. Known to many as “Mike or Michael B.” he was the senior Tribal Chairman in South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains.
As Tribal Chairman, Michael was often recognized throughout both the state and the country as a longtime advocate for Indian people. His knowledge and expertise on Indian business development, tribal sovereignty and agriculture resulted in many positive developments for Sioux country and the region. He supported and continued to successfully advocate for the Lower Brule school system and the establishment of the Lower Brule Community College. He also successfully advocated for comprehensive health services and a full service IHS clinic at Lower Brule.
His leadership and his vision of a diverse and innovative economy, led to the creation of the Lower Brule Farm Corporation and Ranch, the Lower Brule Employment Enterprise, the Lower Brule Wildlife Program, and an agricultural food processing enterprise, Lakota Foods. Michael often credited previous leaders of the Tribe, fellow Council members and the membership of the Tribe for sharing his belief in American Indian's ability to become self-sufficient and economically independent.
Over the course of his service, Chairman Jandreau’s leadership abilities and expertise were acknowledged by his appointment to serve on numerous regional and national boards and committees. He was a member of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Reorganization Committee, represented the Northern Plains Region on the BIA Trust Fund Consultation Task Force and served on the USDA’s and the South Dakota Historic Preservation's Native American Advisory Committees, as well as the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. He was honored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for his work in advancing the Nation’s Indian housing programs.
Michael was nationally known for establishing an aggressive land purchasing program developed to re-enfranchise his people’s connection to their homelands. In 2013, he was recognized as an “Eminent Farmer” by South Dakota State University, College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. He was central to the establishment of the Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place and the Alliance for Tribal Tourism Advocates.
He had close relationships with almost all of the Northern Plains Tribal leadership, as well as many South Dakota state and federal government leaders. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, he testified before the U.S. Congress and the South Dakota State Legislature in support of Tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, the Congress enacted the Lower Brule Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Act, and Title VI of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. He was instrumental in developing the US Army Corp of Engineers Missouri River Programmatic Agreement and continuously fought for the preservation and protection of cultural and sacred resources in the Northern Plains. In all things, Michael was known for his integrity, his honesty, his generosity and his humility.
Michael was united in marriage to his wife Jackie on August 19, 1964. They were married for 47 years and she preceded him in death.
He was also preceded in death by his parents Leo (Tete) and Dorothy, his sons Martin and Kim, his brother Jerauld, cousins Arlen, Dean, Andy & Alvin, nephews Blaine, J.D., and Austin, grandsons Bridger & Romeo, All Aunts and Uncles except Rose Rita, and adopted relatives Joseph Noah and Altwin Grassrope.
He is survived by his Aunt Rose, daughters Rhonda, Amy, Mary and Lynn, and sons Michael, Patrick, Jeffrey and Jerauld, All of his Beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, his step-father David Jones, sisters Barbara, Janice and Karen, and brothers Terry, Vance and Scott.
Michael was educated in the Catholic Indian Mission School systems in South Dakota graduating from St. Josephs Indian Mission in May of 1957 and from Immaculate Conception High School in May of 1961, he was a life-long devoted Catholic who cherished the Church, his family and his many friends.
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