LARRY “JOE” BROOKS
Chief of the Delaware Tribe of Indians

BIRTHPLACE:

Bartlesville, OK on November 5, 1946

PARENTS:

Chester and Helen Brooks

CHILDREN:

Johnny, Shane and Shaunda

LINEAGE:

Mother – Helen Brooks (Camp)
Father – Chester Brooks
Grandmother – Marry Sarcoxie
Great Grandfather – John Sarcoxie

EDUCATION:

College High School – graduated in 1965
Tulsa Jr. College – Assoc’s in Architectural Drafting

MILITARY SERVICE:

U.S. Army (1966 – 1968)
5th Battalion, 60th Infantry
Sergeant E-5
Served in the Vietnam War
Awarded 2 Purple Hearts

EMPLOYMENT / BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

Self-employed for 30 years
Ou Pon Ahlung Smoke Shop & Trading Post
(2 locations, Claremore and Ochelata)
7 employees

TRIBAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS HELD

Served on Tribal Council or Trust Board for 23+ years
Current Trust Board Vice Chairman (Nov. 02 – Present)
Current Chief (Nov. 02 – 06)
Former Tribal Judge
Former Cultural Preservation Committee Chairman
Cultural Preservation Committee Member
Former Education Committee Member
Economic Development Committee Member
Re-Investment Committee Member

WHAT BEING A DELAWARE MEANS TO ME:

Since I was a little boy, I have always been raised knowing of my Delaware heritage. My mother told me many stories about my great-grandfather, who was the eldest Chief and resided in Wyandotte County, Kansas. In 1867, my great-grandfather, John Sarcoxie, became am ordained Baptist Minister. He was ordained by Charles Journeycake.

Even though my great-grandfather passed before I was born, he has always been a very important part of my life. He has been an inspiration to me and I see his face when I pray. I am very proud of my Indian heritage and my roots. Even though my blood quantum may not be full-blood, I am a full-blood in my heart. I do not speak the Delaware language fluently but my Grandmother, Mary Sarcoxie, taught me many Delaware words. I love the traditional way of life and try to do things that way. I belong to the Native American Church and also attend native american sweat lodge meetings.