Former White Earth Nation Chairwoman Erma Vizenor. Photo from Facebook

Erma Vizenor, the first woman to lead the White Earth Nation of Minnesota, resigned on Wednesday amid opposition to her plans to update the tribe's constitution.

Vizenor was censured by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe last month and faced a removal hearing before the White Earth council on Friday. But she didn't want to keep fighting so she stepped down.

"Everything I propose, they're against," Vizenor told The Fargo Forum, singling out three council members in particular.

Vizenor, who was first elected chair in 2004, isn't going anywhere though. She plans to run for council in two years, the paper reported, and believes she will eventually win over critics who are opposed to her handling of the constitutional reform issue.

The tribe is holding an election this year and prominent activist Winona LaDuke of Honor the Earth is running. She lists constitutional reform as one of her priorities.

Get the Story:
Citing opposition, White Earth chair Vizenor resigns (The Fargo Forum 1/21)
White Earth Chair Vizenor resigns; vows to return (KFGO 1/20)
LaDuke sets priorities in run for chair (The Detroit Lakes Tribune 1/3)
White Earth Chairwoman Erma Vizenor a step closer to being removed from office (The Bemidji Pioneer 12/30)
Winona LaDuke to run for White Earth chair (Minnesota Public Radio 12/29)
Power fight could cost White Earth chairwoman her job (Minnesota Public Radio 12/23)