Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation elects new vice chair

Monday, July 30, 2007  

Members of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut elected a new vice chairman on Saturday.

James Cunha defeated incumbent Mark Sebastian, who held the post for 19 years. The 168-45 tally overwhelmingly favored Cunha.

Sebastian is the second longtime leader to be voted out of office since the tribe was denied federal recognition. In July 2006, voters ousted longtime chairwoman Marcia Flowers, though she won a seat on the council on Saturday.

The tribe has held two elections since the Bureau of Indian Affairs reversed its favorable recognition decision. Cunha said he will work to restore the tribe's status.

Get the Story:
Eastern Pequots elect new face (The Norwich Bulletin 7/30)
Longtime Eastern Pequot Leader Ousted (The New London Day 7/29)
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