John Gregory Red Horse

Growing up in northern California as a member of the Cherokee Nation, John eventually began his education in the Social Welfare Program at the University of California Los Angeles from 1967-1969. This lead him to assume a leadership role as the Chairman of the Steering Committee to develop the American Indian Studies Program on the UCLA campus.

Then in 1969, he went to Wisconsin where he served as the Director of the Native Indian Youth Corps mentoring undergraduate students from around the country.

John always kept working for American Indian communities, making sure American Indian issues were included at the universities he worked for.

In 1990, John's work took him to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, serving as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. After his time as dean, he became a professor and the Chair of the American Indian Studies program.

Later in 2006, John received a Distinguished Alumnus award from the College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for his work in Indian Child Welfare and Family Development.

It was in May 2010, John decided to retire from the University of Minnesota Duluth and he relocated to Arizona to enjoy his retirement.

Several American Indian educators praised his work and his voice for concern on American Indian affairs. Whether they were native or non-native, John was there for people and he will be missed by all.