Alyce Spotted Bear

Throughout her life, she was always good to people and loved the pursuit of learning. She was given the Nueta name of “Lead Woman” – Numakshi Mihe. She lived up to that name as a beloved teacher, compassionate educator, vibrant mentor, humanitarian, cultural historian, gentle being, astute administrator, kind grandmother, humble woman, wise leader and so much more in all aspects of her life.

Her death leaves a huge void in the lives of her family, relatives, friends and colleagues. She loved and was loved by many. At the same time, Lead Woman leaves all the people she influenced with many happy, fun-filled memories because she simply enjoyed life and made life better for anyone who stepped into her circle.

She left this world much too soon.

Doctors told her they suspected liver cancer on July 25. Alyce’s battle with cancer was short. She died peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at her sister’s home in Bismarck, with her son, Travis Hallam, at her side, holding her hand.

Wake: Friends and relatives are invited to attend Lead Woman’s wake at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18.

Funeral service: Will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, with Pastor Barry Zietz officiating. Both the wake and funeral services are scheduled at central time and will take place at the Twin Buttes School. Numakshi Mihe will be laid to rest in the Spotted Bear Cemetery.

Her list of accomplishments are many.

At the time of her death, Alyce served as vice president of the Native American Studies and Tribal Relations at the Fort Berthold Community College in New Town. She created the department and loved her job with heart and soul.

As an enrolled citizen of the Three Affiliated Tribes, she held a national role as an adviser on Indian education.

President Obama appointed her as a member to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. She was the first member of the Three Affiliated Tribes to serve on the advisory council. NACIE advises the secretary of education on the funding and administration of programs in which Native Americans participate or may benefit.

She worked with 15 respected corporate, educational and tribal council representatives on the NACIE, representing a wide spectrum of tribes throughout the United States.

Alyce worked at all education levels including pre-school, elementary, secondary, adult education and college. She is a former high school teacher, principal, school superintendent, federal programs administrator and bilingual program director.

Lead Woman served the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara people as chairwoman of the Three Affiliated Tribes from November 1982 to March 1987. A highlight of her tribal administration included establishing groundwork for the landmark Joint Tribal Advisory Committee. The fund, known as the Economic Recovery Fund, was to be used for education, economic development, social welfare, and other needs. JTAC has brought hundreds of millions to Missouri River tribes.

One of 13 children in her family, Lead Woman earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Dickinson State College and a master of education degree from Pennsylvania State College. While serving as a graduate teaching assistant, she completed coursework for a doctorate degree in education at Cornell University at Ithaca, N.Y. She also served as visiting faculty for the Native American Studies Program at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H.

Alyce is survived by: her son, Travis (Crystal) Hallam; and her grandchildren, Cheyenne, Bheri Rose and Senotae; brothers and sisters include: Marian Spotted Bear; Lonnie (Diane) Spotted Bear; Karen (Mitch) Lynch; Kelly (DeeDee) Spotted Bear; Roberta (Dennis) Dahlen; Ivetta (David) Holding Eagle; Helen Zarfos; Rhonda (David) Schettler; Marty Benson; and Barry Benson; and foster sister and brothers: Julie Beston, Leland “Sal” Beston and Jim “Chicken” Morsette.

Lead Woman also had several adopted brothers and sisters including Valentine Finley Sr. and Susie Paulson.

Numakshi Mihe is preceded in death by the following family members: Father, Lorenzo “Larry” Spotted Bear; Mother, Olive “Ollie” Spotted Bear Benson; sisters, G. Janet “Gertsy” Spotted Bear Gunderson and Sandy “Spook” Spotted Bear; and her life partner, George “Rusty” Foote III.

Alyce loved and cherished all her godchildren, including Anthony Holding Eagle.

Senior Pall Bearer: Thomasina Mandan-Stevens

Active Pall Bearers: Whitney Bell, Cory Spotted Bear, Chad Dahlen, Daylon Spotted Bear, Trevor Benson, Newly Little Swallow, Monte Billadeau and Luke Spotted Bear.

Alyce had a positive influence on all she met. Her Honorary Pall Bearers include all of her many friends and colleagues.

(Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck)