Joe Medicine Crow, born in 1914, is a traditional Elder of the Crow Nation and resides in Lodge Grass, Montana, in the heart of Crow country. He is the Crow Nation Tribal Historian and the Grandson of General Custer's last scout, Whiteman Runs Him, and Medicine Crow, one of the last of the great Crow war chiefs. He is a founding member of the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth.

Medicine Crow represents the oldest living generation of Indian people, most of whom have passed to the other side. He was raised by his grandparents who were pre-reservation and pre-literate. There are few Native Americans alive today that can provide a compelling and authentic window into a way of life that ended more than a century ago.

Medicine Crow served during World War II, earning the status of War Chief by completing the four traditional Crow War deeds of bravery required to obtain that status: he touched an enemy in battle, captured a weapon, led a war party, and spirited horses away from an enemy camp.

He has authored or co-authored several books dealing largely with Crow history and culture, and serves as an Advisory Board member of the Plains Indian Museum, and the Buffalo Bill Historic Center.