Harvey Kenneth Monetathchi

Funeral Services for Harvey Kenneth Monetathchi, 79, will be held 10:00 AM, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in the Clinton Emergency Response Center, (ERC) officiated by Alan Fletcher. Burial will follow in the Clinton Indian Cemetery under the direction of the Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home.

There will be an all-night visitation service starting 7:00 PM, Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the Clinton ERC.

Wake and Native American Church services will be held 7:00 PM, Monday, June 10, 2024, in the Clinton ERC.

Cheyenne Chief Harvey Kenneth Monetathchi, He-Am-Vehoe-Neve “High Chief”, was born on December 29, 1944, at Clinton Indian Hospital to Edgar Monetathchi and Anola Heap of Birds. He passed away peacefully on June 07, 2024, in Yukon, Oklahoma. Following his grandfather, Chief Joshua Blackwolf, Harvey was chosen to serve his people at the age of 13 by a council of chiefs.

Harvey attended Concho Boarding School in his youth and eventually graduated from Clinton High School. He briefly went to Haskell University and began his working career, which saw him obtain a wealth of knowledge and experience throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Later in his life, realizing his responsibilities required him to further educate himself to properly serve and provide for his native people, he completed his Associate of Arts from Redlands Community College. Harvey then received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma. This allowed him to better assist his people by working for various C&A tribal programs in numerous capacities – including Business Manager, Health Education Director, and Lieutenant Governor to name a few.

Harvey deeply cared for the Concho community where he resided. He formed a boy scout troop to benefit tribal youth, which assisted throughout tribal territory at different powwows and functions. Boy Scout Troop 844 was chosen by Billy Mills to help carry the Olympic torch through the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation. They were also invited by the Circle Keepers to accompany them to ancestral Cheyenne homelands in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in El Reno and was a lifelong member of the Native American Church. Harvey enjoyed carpentry, fishing, and playing cards with family. He liked classic cars and antiquing. Harvey loved sharing knowledge through story telling. He also taught many youth Cheyenne culture through gourd making, singing, beadwork, put up teepee, and introductions to sweat lodge and the Native American Church. He enjoyed playing softball and watching OU football, as well as NFL football.

Harvey spent his later years as an elder Cheyenne chief providing guidance and encouraging the continuance of traditional ways. In which, he enjoyed preparing for and going to Sundance ceremonies.

Survived by companion Mary (Barnes) Monetathchi – Sons, Harry Tofpi, Dusk Monetathchi, Joshua Monetathchi, Eli Monetathchi – Daughters Gina Monetathchi Frazier, Clarice Monetathchi Shirley, Nola Monetathchi Robertson, Mary West – Sisters, Christina Waters, and Evelyn “Taters” Waters and numerous cousins including, Ramona Welch, nephew, Eddie Henry and numerous grandchildren and other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his Father Edgar Monetathchi – Mother Anola Heap of Birds – Aunts Evelyn Gouse and Angie Old Bear – Brothers Rollo Waters, Wadie Waters – Sister Sandy Spottedwolf – Daughter Tina Monetathchi, nephew, Orlando Waters, Grandchildren Matthew Jones, Angela West