A member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is running for public office in the town of Aquinnah, where relations with the tribe have become a political issue.

The tribe and the town are in litigation over the extent of the tribe's sovereignty. Last December, Massachusetts' top court ruled that the tribe waived its immunity by agreeing to state jurisdiction on the reservation.

The case is on appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court as the town holds its first election since the decision. Faith Vanderhoop, a tribal member and newcomer to town politics, is challenging Camille Rose, a veteran of town affairs, for a seat on the board of selectmen.

Vanderhoop entered the race after selectman Carl Widdiss, brother of tribal chairman Donald Widdiss, decided not to seek re-election.

Get the Story:
Focus is on tribe in Aquinnah race (The Martha's Vineyard Times 5/5)
As usual, Aquinnah budget awaits free cash calculation (The Martha's Vineyard Times 5/5)

Get the Decision:
Aquinnah v. Gay Head Wampanoag Tribe (December 9, 2004)

Lower Court Decision:
Town of Aquinnah v. Gay Head Wampanoag Tribe (June 11, 2003)

Relevant Links:
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head - http://www.wampanoagtribe.net

Related Stories:
Massachusetts court deals blow to tribe's sovereignty (12/10)
Wampanoag Tribe to appeal sovereignty case (12/10)
Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe elects new leader (11/24)
Top court hears Wampanoag sovereignty case (09/09)
Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe plans new buildings (03/12)
Mass. high court to hear tribal immunity case (2/27)
State to intervene in Wampanoag sovereignty case (01/09)
Mass. town urged to appeal tribal immunity ruling (12/05)
Mass. court upholds Wampanoag Tribe's sovereignty (11/06)
Dershowitz: Judge may be wrong on Wampanoag case (07/22)
Mass. town argues for jurisdiction over tribe (7/21)
Mass. judge asked to reconsider sovereignty ruling (06/24)
Mass. court affirms tribe's sovereignty (6/18)
Mass. tribe argues for sovereign rights on land (02/14)