The administration building of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island. Photo from Narragansett Tribe
Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island hasn't responded to questions about his residency but a colleague isn't bothered by the controversy. John Brown, the tribe's medicine man, told WPRI-TV that Thomas maintains a second home in Port Charlotte, Florida. But he also said the chief has a home in Rhode Island. “He has a residence in Florida,” Brown told the station. “He has one here. There is nothing wrong with that. It doesn’t matter to the people of the tribe. It may matter to a few, but the majority doesn’t care.” The tribe requires elected leaders to live in Rhode Island or within a 50-mile radius. Get the Story:
Narragansett Indian leaders insist chief sachem is RI resident (WPRI 12/10)
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