Oitancan Zephier, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, is running for Charles Mix County sheriff.

Zephier is a probation officer for the tribe. He is running as an independent so he will face the Republican and Democratic candidates in the November general election.

Native Americans make up about 28 percent of the county population. The reservation is based in the county but the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals said it was limited to the lands currently held in trust for the tribe for for individual tribal members.

The county has asked the court to rehear the lawsuit.

Get the Story:
Charles Mix Sheriff Retires, Runs (The Yankton Press-Dakotan 6/10)

8th Circuit Decision:
Yankton Sioux Tribe v. Podhrasky (August 25, 2009)

Related Stories:
Yankton Sioux Tribe loses bid to block federal land transfer (6/3)
County seeks rehearing over Yankton land (10/7)
Yankton Sioux Tribe pleased with land decision (08/27)
Appeals court rules in Yankton Sioux land case (8/25)