Yakama Nation chairwoman suspended over firing

Lavina Washines, the chairwoman of the Yakama Nation of Washington, and two other tribal leaders have been put on probation due to the way they fired a business manager.

Lehigh John was fired from his job of the Yakama Land Enterprise, the tribe's primary economic development engine, on May 31. Washines and other tribal leaders cited alleged financial shortcomings.

But the Yakama Code of Ethics Board said Washines and general council chairman Philip Olney and council member Ross Sockzehigh failed to give John a fair hearing. They were put on probation until September 17.

John will now be given a chance to dispute any allegations, the board said.

Get the Story:
Yakamas address business manager's firing (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/28)

Earlier Story:
Tribal business manager contests firing (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/24)

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