Chairman of Spirit Lake Nation still in office after disputed vote

Tuesday, April 16, 2013  

Members of the Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota voted to remove Chairman Roger Yankton Sr. from office but they are also circulating a petition in case he refuses to step down.

The tribe's general assembly swore in Leander (Russ) McDonald as chairman on Monday. But Yankton remains in control of the tribal headquarters.

According to Darren Walking Eagle, the tribe’s chief administrative officer, the chairman can only be removed through a petition process. Yankton's opponents are collecting signatures in hopes of forcing another vote on the issue.

Get the Story:
Opposition swears in new Spirit Lake tribal leader, but Yankton refuses to recognize action and remains in control, official says (The Grand Forks Herald 4/16)
Spirit Lake Nation swears in new chairman (WDAZ 4/15)

General council of Spirit Lake Nation votes to remove chairman (4/15)