New chair of Spirit Lake Nation discusses social service woes

Wednesday, July 3, 2013  

Leander "Russ" McDonald, the new chairman of the Spirit Lake Nation, met with Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota) to discuss social service issues on the reservation.

The tribe gave up its social service self-determination contract last year amid allegations of widespread child abuse. McDonald and Heitkamp said they will work together to fix any problems.

A three-year-old girl recently died on the reservation. A woman has been arrested in connection with the crime.

Get the Story:
Heitkamp, McDonald meet to discuss child welfare on Spirit Lake Nation (WDAZ-TV 7/2)

Spirit Lake Nation chooses Russ McDonald as new chairman (7/2)
Spirit Lake Nation voters remove Roger Yankton as chairman (7/1)