Vernon Lopez, the chief and spiritual leader of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts, is stepping aside after eight years in the post.
Lopez, 85, resigned earlier this month. He told The Cape Cod Times that he wanted to relax because he's getting "too old" to stay on the job.
Lopez will remain on board until the tribe chooses a new chief. He wants his replacement to be able to relate to younger tribal members.
The tribe's federal recognition was finalized last May.
Get the Story:Spiritual leader vacates tribal post (The Cape Cod Times 4/17)
