The secretary-treasurer election for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indians in Minnesota is tied up in tribal court.

Donald “Mick” Finn defeated Donald “Donnie” Headbird by six votes. Headbird contested the election due to alleged irregularities.

Election Contest Judge Heidi Drobnick invalidated the results. But now Finn and the tribe's General Reservation Election Board are appealing, saying she made mistakes in the ruling.

The election was held to replace Mike Bongo, who was recalled after approving an unauthorized loan and signing a deal on behalf of the tribe. Both actions were taken without the full approval of the council.

Get the Story:
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: Judge ruling on election appealed (The Bemidji Pioneer 7/20)