CROW AGENCY - Cedric Black Eagle, sworn in Tuesday as chairman of the Crow Nation, told an audience of hundreds that he is ready to lead his people into a future of hope.

"We have chosen prosperity and not fear," Black Eagle said, standing at the podium of the Apsaalooke Center in Crow Agency. "We have chosen unity, to bring the Crow Nation into one accord in this one time in our lives. We will bring the entire Crow Nation together because finally hope and unity and the common purpose to bring us as a nation to prosperity are real, and we are almost there."

The former vice chairman was elected chairman April 18, slightly more than two months after his predecessor, Carl Venne, died of natural causes.

The inauguration ceremony began shortly before noon, after Black Eagle, dressed in his regalia, rode on horseback in a parade through Crow Agency. More than 100 riders joined Black Eagle in the parade, as did floats and vehicles representing numerous tribal agencies.

Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger rode on horseback in the parade. He later spoke during the inauguration, telling the audience that Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who has developed close ties to the Crow Tribe, had to remain in Helena on the Legislature's final day.

Despite the cold, cloudy weather, local residents lined the parade route. They were rewarded with candy tossed by many parade participants.

Once inside the Apsaalooke Center, Black Eagle took part in a cleansing ceremony before the start of the inaugural. To the beat of drums and songs, he walked to the front of the auditorium as part of a warrior's entrance.

Black Eagle took a seat on the platform with his wife, Audrey, and other tribal officials. Before the swearing-in, he signed a letter resigning his post as vice chairman.

Chief Judge Angela Russell administered the oath of office to Black Eagle. He vowed to uphold the office of the chairman, as established by the constitution of the Crow Tribe.

His words were met with loud cheering, clapping and whistles from the audience.

Black Eagle assumed the duties of interim chairman after Venne died on Feb. 15. Black Eagle, 50, had just begun his second term as the tribe's second-in-command.

He ran for the tribe's top job against nine others and was the top vote-getter in the March 28 primary election. He defeated Leroy Not Afraid in the April 18 general election by a vote of 2,521-850.

The tribe has 60 days to elect a new vice chairman.

During the ceremony, letters of congratulations were read on behalf of U.S. Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester by Del Laverdure, chief of the tribe's legal staff.

Bohlinger, who called Tuesday "a great day here in the Crow Nation," said it was also a day of remembrance for the passing of Venne. Bohlinger said Black Eagle's participation in the executive branch under Venne's leadership was a key component to the tribe's success.

"We know that through your leadership, the Crow Tribe will take full advantage of future opportunities that will move the tribe towards further prosperity," Bohlinger said.

Donald Spotted Tail, executive assistant to the chairman's office, gave the keynote address and he talked about the transition of the past two months.

"We proved we can stand together even in difficult times," Spotted Tail said. "This morning as the sun rose, it brought a new day, a new chapter in the history of the Apsaalooke nation. It is a day of renewed hope, a day full of opportunity and great potential for our people."

He introduced Black Eagle, who received a standing ovation.

Black Eagle told his audience that the Crow Nation is faced with challenges, such as working for passage of the Crow Water Claims Settlement Act and the Crow Land Restoration Act, both now in Congress. He also pointed out that, by virtue of the tribe's location, it is blessed with abundant natural resources that the tribe's leadership is moving toward responsibly developing.

"I believe, as a nation, we are ready to make dramatic improvements to our economy, creating jobs, building homes, creating small business opportunities, improving our health care and creating one reservation-wide school system so that we can make a difference in the future of our children," Black Eagle said.

He also spoke of preserving the Crow language and creating a museum to bring home Crow artifacts to share the tribe's history for generations to come. Black Eagle also remarked that it is time for unity to happen among all tribes.

"It is time in this day and age to do as they say, we shall bury the hatchet," he said "We will all work together to make a difference in our lives as the first Americans of these lands we have called home since time immemorial."