The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts has ousted its longtime chairwoman.

Beverly Wright was seeking a sixth term as leader of the only federally recognized tribe in the state. But voters elected Donald Widdiss by a close vote of 132 to 105.

Widdiss says he wants to focus on the tribe's relationship with the town of Aquinnah. The tribe has been locked in a drawn out sovereignty battle with the town and some town residents resent the tribe's presence.

Get the Story:
Wampanoag Tribe elects new tribe leader (The Martha's Vineyard Times 11/24)

Court Decision:
Town of Aquinnah v. Gay Head Wampanoag Tribe (June 11, 2003)

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Wampanoag tribal member resigns from town post (11/05)
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State to intervene in Wampanoag sovereignty case (01/09)
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