Disenrollees of Nooksack Tribe to seek recount after election


Unofficial results from the 2014 Nooksack Tribe election. Image from Nookack Indian Tribe Communications Blog

Members of the Nooksack Tribe of Washington who are facing disenrollment plan to ask for a recount after council elections on Saturday.

Chairman Bob Kelly, who supports the removal effort, won re-election. He defeated challenger George Adams, who opposes disenrollment, by 43 votes.

The race for Position A on the council was much closer. Incumbent Robert Solomon, who reportedly supports disenrollment, defeated challenger Felisisimo Johnny by seven votes.

A change in results for the seat could help the 306 people who are being disenrolled.

"We want to be in there as soon as the doors open to request a recount," Ron Miguel, who is among those facing removal, told The Bellingham Herald.

Tribal members elected Nadene Rapada as secretary. She reportedly opposes disenrollment.

Carmen Tageant, who opposes disenrollment, won the seat for Position B.

Get the Story:
Future remains unclear for Nooksack tribe following tribal council elections (The Bellingham Herald 3/16)
Nooksack council vote may decide fate of contested tribal members (The Seattle Times 3/15)
Disenrollment Controversy Looms Over Nooksack Tribal Council Election (KUOW 3/14)

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