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Edward R. Thomas

Tribal Affiliation: Turtle Mountain Chippewa

Born: July 5, 1953, Roundup, MT

Died: September 16, 2023, Belcourt, ND

Known for: Alabaster Sculpting

"In 1991, I had the opportunity to work with a stone called alabaster, where I found my God-given talent to create with my hands." — Ed Thomas

Edward R. Thomas, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Tribe, was born in Roundup, MT, and raised in the Belcourt, ND area. His educational journey began in boarding schools, culminating in his high school graduation from Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, SD in 1973. In 1978, Thomas enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until his honorable discharge in 1984.

Thomas began his artistic career in 1974, initially working with pipestone before transitioning to alabaster by 1991. He gained prominence as a distinguished sculptor in the Great Plains, receiving multiple accolades from the Northern Plains Tribal Arts Show in South Dakota. His sculptures can be found in various public and private collections nationwide, including the Aktá Lakota Museum at St. Joseph’s Indian School.

On September 16, 2023, Edward R. Thomas passed away near Belcourt, ND, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional artistry and cultural contribution.