Chief Bio

Calvin was born at Hastings Indian Hospital in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He is the grandson of Clarence and Gladys Winnie and the great-grandson of Reid Burton Winnie, the last hereditary chief of the Seneca- Cayugas. He has lived in the four-state area all of his life. He currently resides in Carl Junction, Missouri with his wife Vicki. He has two daughters, Sarah Cassady, and Rebecca DePriest and her husband Brett, and two grandsons, Cal and Wil.

Calvin brings to the tribe a thirty-five year career in public service. He has a B.S. degree in Education from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri and an M.S. and an Ed. S degree in Administration from Pittsburg State University. Through his education and his training Calvin has experience in budgeting and in human resources. He is currently a coordinator of online learning for a private school system in Joplin.

Calvin is a Native American advocate and during his time in the classroom he has researched the tribe and its history. He has traced their journey from the northeast through Pennsylvania and Ohio and finally arriving in Oklahoma. He has presented programs and workshops on tribal history at both local and state events. He takes pride in helping Native Americans document their Indian heritage and encourages them to be proud participants in their tribe.

Calvin and his family are charter members of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. and he represented the tribe in the “Parade of Nations” and the VIP Reception held in conjunction with the Grand Opening of the Museum. He believes in productive conservation practices to insure protection of the resources “Mother Earth” has provided. He is a founding board member of the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center in Joplin and is president of the State Board for Missouri Master Naturalists.

Calvin, like his great-grandfather is an educator with an intense passion for helping people. To him family is important. In many ways the tribe reflects family, yet it also is a thriving business. This creates a delicate balance. While the “Great Spirit” has provided the tribal family with generous resources, it is up to tribal members to provide guidance and leadership. I would like to continue in the foot-steps of my great-grandfather and serve the Seneca Cayuga people as your Chief.