Gari Lafferty, right, was removed as chairwoman of the Paiute Tribe of Utah after accepting a free trip to an NFL game last September. Photo from Facebook
The Paiute Tribe of Utah elected a new leader to replace Gari Lafferty, who was ousted after accepting gifts from the Washington NFL team. Corrina Bow defeated four other candidates for the post, according to the result from the April 30 special election. She was sworn into office on May 4. Lafferty filed an appeal of her removal but the tribal council denied it, the Associated Press reported. She admitted that she accepted a free trip to Washington, D.C., and other items of value from the Original Americans Foundation but denied breaking any laws or policies.
The leadership of the Paiute Tribe of Utah. From left to right: Lora Tom (Cedar Band), Jeanine Borchardt (Indian Peaks Band), Jetta Wood (Shivwits Band), Corrina Bow (Tribal Chairwoman), Toni Pikyavit (Koosharem Band), Phil Pikyavit (Kanosh Band). Photo from Paiute Tribe
“The Paiute Indian Tribe has gone through a period of negativity, so now we must clear the air; it is time for the Tribe to start healing,” new Chairwoman Bow said in press release. “There are no winners in a situation like this, but the tribal council can unite and move forward and refocus on what is important for our tribe, for our people and our children.” Documents from the removal hearing of Gari Lafferty can be found at www.utahpaiutes.org/about/government/news.aspx. Get the Story:
Appeal denied for tribal leader who accepted Redskins gifts (AP 5/13)
Paiutes deny ex-chairwoman’s appeal of her impeachment (The St. George Spectrum 5/13)
Disgraced Tribal Chairwoman Loses Appeal; Corrina Bow Wins Special Election to Fill Vacancy (Indian Country Today 5/13)
Related Stories
Phil Gover: NFL team
undermines and corrupts Indian Country (04/07) Former leader of Paiute Tribe disputes removal over NFL gifts (4/6)
Original Americans Foundation claims work with over 50 tribes (4/3)
Paiute Tribe removes chairwoman for accepting NFL team gifts (4/2)
Paiute Tribe moves to oust leader for accepting NFL team's gifts (4/1)
Join the Conversation
