Former tribal chair Mason dies
Former tribal chair Mason dies
Former Chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes Russell Mason Sr., died Wednesday, Jan. 14 in Rock View Nursing Home in Parshall. Mason was 72.
Tribal chairman from 1994 to 1998, Mason was well known as “Bud,” or “Buddy.”
He retired from a career with Indian Health Services before becoming tribal chairman. He made national contributions to HIS and was a past national director for HIS alcohol/chemical health abuse and education. He was among the founders of national initiatives at HIS to address substance abuse in tribal communities which saved many lives.
An athlete, Mason believed in promoting health and wellness and was instrumental in creating the Three Affiliated Tribes Wellness Team in the mid-‘90s. He also created a no-smoking policy in TAT buildings.
His personal athletic achievements included biking across the continent and running the New York Marathon.
