In Memoriam: Nicholas Vrooman

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of Nicholas Vrooman. It would be difficult to summarize his many contributions, including serving as state folklorist for both North Dakota and Montana, writing the definitive history of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and leading many conversations about indigenous rights. Nicholas offered a program on “The Metis in Montana” for our Montana Conversations, sharing his deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for justice with audiences throughout the state. Krys Holmes, executive director of the Myrna Loy Center in Helena, speaks for us all when she shares, “Nicholas is a part of the landscape, the stories, the songs, the rivers, and the place of Montana. There is so much knowledge that would have disappeared if not for him. The wingspan of his life and work touches three centuries. It was an honor to know him, to have heard that laugh, and to have felt his warm encouraging bear-hug greeting.” You can read a fuller telling of his life here. Rest in peace, Nicholas.