Cecelia Fire Thunder was inaugurated as the first woman president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota on Saturday.
At a ceremony attended by prominent Indian women leaders including former Cherokee Nation chief Wilma Mankiller and environmental activist Winona LaDuke, Fire Thunder promised to restore accountability to the tribe. She said she would be more responsive to tribal members.
American Indian Movement activist Russell Means, who lost to Fire Thunder, says those words aren't enough. He is calling for the federal government to investigate the tribe's finances. He filed a suit in federal court to stop Fire Thunder from being inaugurated, saying she does not live within reservation boundaries.
Get the Story:Fire Thunder installed as OST president (The Rapid City Journal 12/12)
Oglala leader takes charge (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 12/12) Relevant Links:
Oglala Sioux Tribe - http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe
Russell Means - http://www.russellmeans.com Related Stories:
Russell Means sues after losing Pine Ridge election (12/03)
Pressure is on Fire Thunder as Pine Ridge president (11/15)
Fire Thunder credits women for Pine Ridge victory (11/08)
Fire Thunder calls election at Pine Ridge symbolic (11/4)
Cecilia Fire Thunder declared winner at Pine Ridge (11/3)
Harjo: Pine Ridge election about character (10/29)
Russell Means arrested for missing court date (10/25)
Pine Ridge Election: Profile of Russell Means (10/22)
Pine Ridge Election: Profile of Cecilia Fire Thunder (10/21)
Russell Means, Fire Thunder to debate in Pine Ridge (10/18)
AIM leader, nurse face off in Pine Ridge election (10/8)
Russell Means top vote-getter in Pine Ridge primary (10/7)
Means says South Dakota GOP needs to do more (8/9)