Scott Ratliff Explained

Scotty Ratliff
Office:Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives
Term Start:1980
Term End:1992
Birth Date:19 January 1943
Birth Place:Fort Washakie, Wyoming, US
Party:Republican
Spouse:Sheri
Profession:counselor
Residence:Wind River Indian Reservation
Children:3

Scott J. Ratliff (born January 19, 1943) is an American politician in the state of Wyoming. An Eastern Shoshone, he is the first Native American to be elected to the Wyoming State Legislature and served as a Democrat for Fremont County, Wyoming from 1980 to 1992.[1] [2]

Ratliff was born in Fort Washakie, Wyoming in 1943, and attended Pavillion High School near his family's horse ranch north of Pavillion, Wyoming. He earned degrees at Arapahoe Community College, Black Hills State College (1971) and the University of Wyoming (1973). Holding a master's degree in guidance and counseling, he worked at Eastern Wyoming College and Central Wyoming College.[3] [4] He also served in the Vietnam War and was wounded in action.[5]

After serving as state representative, Ratliff was a member of the Wyoming State Council on Juvenile Justice, Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame Board, Shoshone Economic Board, Wyoming State Board of Tribal Economics, and National Advisory Council on Indian Education. He received a human rights award from the Wyoming Counseling Association in 1990.[6] Ratliff is married to Sheri and has three daughters.

Notes and References

  1. News: Indian legislator tries to aid his tribe. Barron. Joan. Casper Star-Tribune. February 15, 1981. B6. September 11, 2022.
  2. Book: Indigenous Firsts: A History of Native American Achievements and Events. Yvonne Wakim. Dennis. Arlene. Hirschfelder. Paulette F.. Molin. 25 October 2022 . Visible Ink Press. 9781578598069 . Google Books.
  3. Book: Kromkowski, John A.. Race and Ethnic Relations 93/94. September 11, 1993. Dushkin Publishing Group. 9781561342129 . Google Books.
  4. Book: McDonald, Laughlin. American Indians and the Fight for Equal Voting Rights. October 20, 2014. University of Oklahoma Press. 9780806186009 . Google Books.
  5. Web site: Wyoming Blue Book: without special title. Virginia Cole. Trenholm. September 11, 1991. Wyoming State Archives, Department of Commerce. Google Books.
  6. Web site: What's Your Why? Episode: Scotty Ratliff: Serving His Native Community, The Wind River Reservation. www.thinkwy.org.