PHOTO COURTESY OF MARLIS AFRAID OF HAWK Jackie LeClaire (left) and Reggie LeClaire (center) celebrated Reggie’s retirement with friends, family, tiwahe and tenants. LeClaire was honored with balloons and a cake by Eunice Hollow Horn to celebrate his retirement from the Housing Authority after 35 years. LeClaire also received two star quilts, one from the tribal secretary’s office and one from the Grandmother’s Group, in honor of his service to the community during his years at the Housing Authority.
Reggie LeClaire (Cheyenne River Lakota) from Dupree retired in April after 35 years of service to the Housing Authority. On Sunday, May 21, 2023, LeClaire’s friends, families, tenants, and co-workers gave recognition and thanks to him with an honoring and wóphila meal.
LeClaire commented, “My wife Jackie and I really appreciate the party. It was unexpected!”
Eldora Black Eagle, one of the tenants in LeClaire’s area of housing, was the primary organizer of the event. She said, “Reggie never said no to anyone who asked for his help, no matter what day or time or what the weather was like. He came whenever he was called. He has given so much to our community. We will really miss being able to call on him.”
Special guests at the honoring included Reggie’s sisters Alice LeClaire and Bernadine Little Thunder. Community members brought food and Eunice Hollow Horn created a special cake for the occasion. LeClaire received a Star Quilt from the tribal secretary’s office and a second Star Quilt from the Grandmother’s Group. He agreed that the quilts are priceless treasures.
Marlis Afraid of Hawk, an acquaintance of LeClaire’s, says, “He’s a good man and always did a good job. My son works for the Housing Authority maintenance and he says he’s learned a lot from Reggie.”
LeClaire grew up and graduated from high school in Dupree and worked in construction for six years before going to work for the tribal housing authority in 1988. He says his only plans right now for his retirement is “to enjoy my time off.”
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