Charles Archambault

Charles Edward Archambault (Iyabi ota pronounced ee yah bee ote translated to “Talks A lot”) born December 12, 1934, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, MT, passed away peacefully in his home on July 19, 2025. Chuck was the son of Edward Archambault (Sioux) and Martha Horn (Assiniboine). Chuck lived on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation until the age of 15 then went to Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota. After graduating from Flandreau, Chuck enlisted in the Army in 1954. He traveled to Spain, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, England, Germany and the Netherlands. After honorable discharge from the Army, he attended North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau where he met and married Vita Bruce from the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation. He received an Associate Degree in Engineering in May of 1959 and moved on to North Dakota State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in May 1961. He took a job with the US Forest Service as a Civil Engineer from 1961-1972 working in Missoula, Libby, MT and Grangeville, ID. He then transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1972 and was stationed in Browning, MT. In September of 1973 Chuck decided to start his own engineering consulting company, Archambault & Company, which he owned and operated until the day he died.

Archambault & Company was his passion, his life’s work. All his work dedicated to Indian communities throughout the western United States including Blackfeet, Rocky Boy, Ft Belknap, Ft Peck, Crow, Northern Cheyenne reservations in Montana. He also worked most reservations in Idaho, Nevada, North and South Dakota where he was a registered professional engineer and land surveyor. Chuck spent many years working with and teaching his children and grandchildren not only the business but the importance of serving Indian people and communities. Chuck also employed many tribal citizens on every reservation he had a project on, many of whom moved on to start their own successful businesses, pursue higher education and advance their careers. As part of Archambault & Company, Chuck ran a successful ranch as well. He was an inspiration to many.

Chuck was a member of many professional associations including Montana Association of Land Surveyors, American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has received many professional honors and awards throughout his illustrious career, too numerous to mention.

However, his greatest pride came from being a family man. From 1959-1971 Chuck and Vita raised six children, Steve, Patty, Susan, Doug, Mary and Sam. He has 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Stories of adventures with ‘Grampa Chuck’ was always a joy for him and he loved to visit his grandkids and encourage them to do what they loved.

Chuck is survived by all six children, his brothers Donavan (Lori) Archambault, Frank Archambault and his sister Alice Bowen. Services to be held in Billings, Mt at Michelotti-Sawyers (1001 Alderson Ave) on July 21 at 2 pm after which he will be brought home to the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation for ceremony and feed on Tuesday at 11 am at the Red Whip Community Center.