Robert Bear, Jr.

Swift Hawk

Robert Bear Jr., the hereditary Chief of the Arikara Tribe passed away May 30, 2018 at the Garrison Memorial Hospital.  Funeral services will held on Monday at 10:00 am at the Ralph Wells Jr. Memorial Complex in White Shield.  Wake services will be held Sunday at 10:00 am at the complex.

Robert "Bobby" Bear Jr., "Swift Hawk" (nikutaawik-AtsuutikatariiNI was the Arikara Chief for 57 years, beginning February 8, 1961. His lineage as the Arikara Chief is Son-of-Star, Sitting Bear, Floyd Bear and Robert Bear Sr.  Robert was born December 2 ^nd , 1936 at home in Nishu to Dora Hopkins-Bear and Robert Bear Sr.  He was raised in Nishu until the Garrison Dam was built. His family then moved their house to the 6 Mile Creek area of White Shield. He grew up working cattle and horses on the Bear family ranch. Robert always made sure the garden was plowed for his Mother and that potatoes were planted. He humbly lived in the home that was moved from Nishu until it became too unsafe and was forced to move to White Shield where he said there were "too many people".

He attended Flandreau Indian School however he left 2 weeks shy of graduation. While in high school Robert met Rita and they had three children. They moved away at an early age, and Robert didn't get to know them.  Robert served in the Navy. Upon his discharge in 1957, he returned to the Bear family ranch where he continued ranching.  Robert then met the love of his life, Athelia  White Bear-Hopkins, from this union they had one son Dion whom was his pride and joy. Dion unfortunately passed February 2001.

Robert was well known as an accomplished bronc rider and loved following the various rodeos. He taught his nephews, nieces, grandsons and granddaughters how to work with horses. He had names for them "Young Man, Joe Potato and Bennie". He was also one of the lead singers of Dead Grass Singers. In 1985, he passed his drumstick to Thomas Well.

During Robert's later years, his health was such that he required a caretaker. His "Joy to the World" took him places he thought he would never see. To name a few, the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Devil's Tower. He had names for those who helped take care of him "Haney, Green Acres and Little Cowboy". Most recently there were great grandsons in his home who he called his "Friends".

He was a jack of all trades, and worked at various ranches.  Truth be told he was a hell raiser, he never backed down from a fight. Despite this roughness, Robert was a humble and generous man, he welcomed and helped out people with what he had.  He was the true meaning of a Chief!