Harold Alfred Monteau, "Brings the Sweetgrass," (Kah-pe-taht wi-Kah-se) of Rocky Boy, Montana, passed away at the age of 72 on December 27, 2025, at his home in Rocky Boy where he lived with his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Topsky and their children.

A wake will be held on Tuesday evening (12/30) at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rocky Boy followed by funeral services at 9 am Wednesday (12/31). The burial will be at Rocky Boy Cemetery on Laredo Road following the funeral. A journey feast will be held after the burial at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Harold was born on June 22, 1953, in Fort Belknap, Montana. He was one of twelve children born to James and Florence Monteau. His grandparents were Ed and Anna Collins. Harold was an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy, Montana. He was very proud of his Indian heritage.

Harold's education began at Box Elder schools, and he went on to attend Eastern Montana College where he met and married his first wife, Deborah Good Bear. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Montana State University-Northern and returned to Rocky Boy where he was an educator and principal at Rocky Boy Elementary School.

He graduated with a Masters Degree in Education from the University of South Dakota and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1986. Harold dedicated his life to serving tribal communities both as a practicing licensed attorney and as a consultant specializing in federal Indian law, tribal business development, and finance. He was considered an expert on tribal economic development and governmental affairs.

A trailblazer of his time, Harold held a number of prestigious positions throughout Indian Country, including an appointment in 1994 by President Bill Clinton to serve as the first Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) where he provided leadership in the newly forming Tribal Gaming Industry. Harold played a key role in establishing the structure of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which helped many tribes develop Indian gaming compacts to open their own casinos and create revenue for their respective tribes.

Some of his more prominent roles included Chief Judge of the Chippewa Cree Tribe (until present), Chief Judge of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, and professorships of Indian Law at the University of New Mexico School of Law and at Rocky Boy's Stone Child College. He was an in-house attorney for the Chippewa Cree Tribe and Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. Prior to that, Harold also served as Legal Counsel to the Department of Interior BIA Task Force on BIA Reorganization, recommending expanded authority and funding to facilitate tribal self-determination and self-governance.

He founded and was the managing Partner of Monteau & Peebles, one of the first Indian majority owned law firm specializing in federal Indian law, complex government negotiations, business transactions and federal lobbying. Harold also became a journalist and columnist in several news publications, including Indian Country Today and Indianz.com where he commented on Indigenous law, policy, tribal sovereignty, politics and Indian life. He also provided guest radio and internet broadcast commentary for National Public Radio and Native America Calling. He was a strong advocate for Buy-Indian and Native Preference in hiring, contracting and procurement. He was often invited to speak on his areas of expertise at conferences, conventions, Congressional hearings and state legislatures.

Harold and Elizabeth lived in several tribal communities throughout the country. He left long-lasting and impactful contributions wherever he went. He was often sought out for his unique perspective, his professional opinion, and for his mentorship and guidance.

He remained active in his tribal community, not only as Chief Judge, but frequently sharing "Rocky Boy Reports" on social media covering local weather, sports, cultural events, and tribal history. He was described as an intelligent and compassionate judge with an infectious laugh, possessing cultural awareness and tolerance to ensure everyone was treated with respect.

Sundance, cultural ceremonies, and pow wow were significant influences on Harold's life. Through the Sundance, he found sobriety and was sober 24 years. He loved traveling with his wife to special events, to visit family, and to powwows where he would occasionally participate in men's traditional dance. He also enjoyed participating in the gourd dance circle. Learning and practicing Cree cultural ways was important to Harold and he passed these traditions on to his children and grandchildren.  He was a prominent member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe.

Harold had a remarkable love for nature, pets, music, watching basketball, football, and singing karaoke. He enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting, attending family gatherings and mentoring young people. Those that knew him were extremely proud of his accomplishments and leadership. Harold adopted many friends as family within his professional and pow wow circles.

Harold is survived by his wife Elizabeth; his adult children, Autumn, Taylor, Elaina and Matteas; his grandchildren Deborah, Keyshawn, Jonasiah, Eva, Daniella, George, and First Rain; his siblings Donna DeVinney, Judy Monteau, Jon Monteaux, Curtis Monteau, Tracy Monteau and Jill Monteau; and former wife Laurel Anquoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his children John Charles, Quanah, and Summer; his siblings James "Joe" Monteau, Sandra Murie, Carole Henderson, Richard "Dick" Monteau and Verna Kezar. The impact Harold left will be felt for generations, and he will be missed by many.