Vernon Lane, former Lummi Nation chairman, dies at 79
Vernon Lane, a former chairman of the Lummi Nation of Washington, died on April 21 after a long struggle with lupus. He was 79.

Lane served on the tribal council for about 35 years, including about 12 years as chairman. He championed tribal fishing rights, tribal sovereignty and law enforcement, but he also questioned his tribe's housing program, which led to a federal investigation.

"He was an open-minded leader because he listened to what the people wanted to do, and he was the first chairman that started the Lummi Nation on the road to prosperity. elder Ramona Morris told The Seattle Times.

Funeral services are set for Tuesday and Wednesday on the Lummi Nation.

Get the Story:
Vernon Lane, longtime Lummi tribe official, dies at 79 (The Seattle Times 4/26)
Lummis mourn elder Vernon Lane (The Bellingham Herald 4/24)