Pascua Yaqui chairwoman faces ethics complaint

Herminia Frias, the first woman to lead the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, could be removed from office or face sanctions as the result of an ethics complaint.

The tribal council has been meeting behind closed doors to consider a 22-count complaint against Frias. The charges stem from a fight between Frias and vice chairman Peter Yucupicio, who was recently stripped of some of his duties.

The exact nature of the complaint is not known. Frias would not comment but said the charges were baseless.

But Frias' chief of staff, Pilar Thomas, said some people resent Frias because she is a woman. She also pointed out that the past two chairmen of the tribe have faced recall attempts.

Get the Story:
Yaqui chairwoman facing possible removal (The Arizona Daily Star 8/2)

Relevant Links:
Pascua Yaqui Tribe - http://www.pascuayaqui-nsn.gov

Related Stories:
Pascua Yaqui Tribe chooses first woman as chair (06/14)