John Robinson

The Honorable John Robinson, Chief Judge, Northern Cheyenne Court (Ret.) is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. He joined the Soaring Eagle Board of Directors in 2014. Judge Robinson has held many positions with the Northern Cheyenne Tribe beginning in 1962. He is a United States Army Vietnam Era veteran and has acquired an extensive education at Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana, the University of California, Berkeley, California and the Antioch School of Law in Washington DC. John’s passion lies in helping others. When asked about his commitment to helping his people, he responded, “I didn’t always act that way. Growing up, I was a real knothead. I didn’t listen to our elders or my relatives or my friends. I was angry at the abuse of our people. I buried their words of wisdom. As one of the warriors who seized Alcatraz I became friends with so many others that, like me, wanted change and freedom for our people. This was the beginning of my warrior journey. Upon returning home I joined the Northern Cheyenne Kitfox warrior society. I made a vow to be courageous, to speak the truth, to respect all, and to help our people. This has become my way of life. My Cheyenne name Aotse’, meaning “Hail” was given to me at our sacred mountain, Bear Butte in South Dakota. I believe in our sacred way of life and I continue to uphold my vow to help others in any way I can.”. John retired from the Court in 2019 and currently resides with his wife Dixie at their home in Montana.