August Little Soldier honored at UTTC reception

by: Dorreen Yellow Bird

August Little Soldier, who died June 19, was memorized at a UTTC reception during the annual powwow. His daughter Kathleen Rakes, Mandan; two sons, Newton of Bismarck and Gainus of Parshall were there to receive a memorial and Pendleton blanket in honoring August for his accomplishments. The gifts were presented by Marcus Levings, tribal chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes and Governor John Hoeven.

The White Shield drum sang an honor song for the family.

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(Excerpts from the Dickinson Press about August Little Soldier)

August Little Soldier was born on Aug. 15, 1914, the son of Clarence and Wilemina (Perkins) Little Soldier. He was educated at Wahpeton, and Santee, Neb., graduating from Santee High School. August returned home to work on the ranch with his mother. August met Tillie Becker and they were married on Oct. 3, 1938 at Plaza, N.D. at the Church of God.

Together they farmed and ranched at Beaver Creek, north of Beulah. In the early 1980s they retired and moved to Zap, where August has since lived.

August was a famous rodeo cowboy and attended many rodeos. He won the championship rodeo match in Dickinson in 1956.

He was a chairman for the Three Affiliated Tribes at Fort Berthold. He helped start the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. August worked with Sen. Ted Kennedy and knew the Kennedys well. He also worked with many other congressman and senators throughout the United States.

August is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Rakes of Mandan; two sons, Newton Little Soldier of Bismarck, Gainus Little Soldier of Parshall; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

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