Oglala Sioux Tribe elects newcomer Julian Bear Runner as president

Thursday, November 8, 2018  

The Oglala Sioux Tribe has elected a political newcomer as president.

According to unofficial results, Julian Bear Runner defeated Richard Zephier at the polls on Tuesday. Bear Runner secured 2,233 votes to Zephier's 1,277.

"I am truly honored by the support of the Oglala Oyate," Poor Bear said in a post on Facebook. "I have been preparing for this for a long time and I’m ready to go to work for our People. We don’t deserve poverty, we must fight for dignity. We will return this government to the People. Thank you for stepping into New Generation Leadership."

At age 33, Bear Runner, an Army veteran, was the youngest candidate in the race. Zephier, at age 73, was one the eldest.

But both candidates were making their first runs for tribal office, Native Sun News Today reported last month.

In other election news, Vice President Darla Black retained her seat. She defeated Tom Poor Bear, who has served three terms in the past, The Lakota County Times reported.

“A second term allows me to continue to work for my people,” Black told the paper.

Troy "Scott" Weston, the outgoing president, did not seek a second term in office.

OST GENERAL ELECTION (The Lakota Country Times November 8, 2018)

Two newcomers vie for leadership of Oglala Sioux Tribe (October 11, 2018)