Edward Wadda, Tribal Liaison between the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and Governor Matt Meads office, passed in a car accident last night (Thursday) at the age of 42.
Wadda served as Tribal Liaison since 2005. While also volunteering as an adviser for Wind River United National Indian Tribal Youth, which works to promote drug-free, healthy lifestyles… promoting education, and keeping culture and traditions alive.
Judith Antell is the director of American Indian Studies at the University of Wyoming. She first met Wadda in 1993, and says they have remained friends ever since.
“He was dedicated to working with people of all ages but especially with American Indian youth,” says Antell. “He dedicated really most of his life to trying to inspire young people to do well in their lives, to overcome even the most limiting or negative of circumstances. He lived a good life, and he represented by his behavior and his attitudes all good things for Indian people.”
In a statement from the Governor Mead said “Ed was a caring person who always had the best interest of the Eastern Shoshone in his heart. It was a pleasure to work with him to continue to strengthen the relationship between the State of Wyoming and the Eastern Shoshone Tribe… He will be greatly missed.”
Waddas funeral will be held Wednesday in Fort Washakie.