Advertise:   ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

National
Coushatta Tribe swears in first new chair in 20 years


The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana swore in its first new chairman in more than 20 years on Wednesday.

Former tribal police chief Kevin Sickey defeated William Worfel in a run-off election this past Saturday. After receiving 87 percent of the vote, he said he will work to restore accountability to the tribe.

Sickey was ousted amid controversy over the tribe's relationship with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Former chairman Lovelin Poncho, who did not seek re-election, and Worfel authorized $32 million in payments to Abramoff.

Worfel still sits on the council. Regina "Tee" Labuff and Verlis Williams were sworn in as new council members on Wednesday.

Get the Story:
Coushatta Inauguration (KLFY-TV 6/9)

Relevant Links:
Coushatta Tribe - http://www.coushattatribela.org

Related Stories:
Coushatta Tribe elects ex-police chief as chairman (6/6)
Abramoff supporter in running for Coushatta chair (5/30)
Coushatta tribal member went on DeLay golf outing (05/06)
Coushatta Tribe sues Abramoff, Scanlon in state court (04/22)
Coushatta Tribe hires law firm linked to DeLay (03/18)
Coushatta Tribe sues ex-lobbyists for $32M (11/17)
Coushatta Tribe to sue lobbyists for $32M (10/4)
Coushattas used lobbyists to spy on tribes, critics (09/13)
Senate hearing on tribal lobbying probe set (8/26)
Coushatta member threatened over recall effort (08/09)
Coushatta Tribe's lobbying records subpoenaed (07/23)
GOP strategist denies secretly taking tribal money (7/15)
Tribal money secretly funneled to GOP strategist (06/25)
Busy Indian Affairs Committee hits snag on big issues (06/17)
Indian Affairs Committee activity this week (6/15)
Indian Country awaits outcome of lobbying probe (05/18)
Coushatta treasurer accuses NIGC of lax oversight (04/12)
Coushatta leaders used tribal money to pay lobbyists (4/8)
Coushatta Tribe paid $32M to lobbyist Jack Abramoff (4/6)
McCain begins investigation into high tribal fees (3/4)
McCain calls for investigation into tribal spending (2/27)
Four tribes spent $45M on lobbying and PR firms (2/23)