Calvin passed over on July 1st,  of 2005.  He had been looking forward to attending the last gathering of Brotherhood Days in Danville, Illinois.

When I remember Calvin I will always think of his humor, wit, dignity, and decorum.  Calvin was a well-spring of knowledge  and his kind and generous nature touched many people.   I will miss him.

Born November 9th, 1929, in Oglala, the great-grandson of Tatanka Iyotaka, (Sitting Bull), Calvin graduated from Wesleyan University with a Bachelors degree in Arts and Art Education.  He received his Masters  of Arts degree from Black Hills State University. Calvin served as principle at Red  Cloud Indian School for eight years before joining the founding staff at Oglala Lakota College.

Calvin was a driving force in creating the first tribally contracted school,  Loneman School in Oglala,  on the Pine Ridge Reservation  and was a firm believer of Indian control over reservation schools. He drew great satisfaction in the growing number of tribal members who serve as educators and staff in the reservation's school system.

Calvin was fond of saying,  "As long as I can stand and talk,  I can teach."

Calvin was recognized with  the South Dakota Indian "Living Treasure"  award in 2001 for his life-long efforts in keeping Lakota language,  culture,  and song alive.  Calvin performed at Cheyenne Frontier Days for 41 years and was inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame in 2004.  Calvin,  a recognized singer in his own right,  was a member of the renowned traditional Lakota drum group,  "The Porcupine Singers,"  featured in "Dances With Wolves,"  and "Thunderheart."  Calvin, along with Nellie Two Bulls,  are featured in Ronnie Theisz's book and CD,  "Sharing the Gift of Lakota Song."

Pat Pumpkinseed, a long time employee of Red Cloud School  said of Calvin, "He was just about the coolest Lakota man who ever lived."   http://www.lakotatimes.net/Sports.htm

Thomas Shortbull, Oglala Lakota College President,  described Calvin as,  "....one of the great heroes of the Lakota People."  To honor the example of his life the OLC,  in co-operation with the South Dakota Community Foundation  has established the Calvin Jumping Bull Scholarship fund.   Those interested may donate to this fund through the office of Thomas Shortbull, OLC President,  P.O. Box 490, Kyle, SD 57752    For further information call Thomas Shortbull at 605-455-6020 or Marilyn Pourier,  OLC Development Director,  at 605-455-6045.