The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan could have a new chairman in about a month.

The board of directors plans to appoint a new chairman at their August 23 meeting. But the entire board has to be present for that to happen, The Soo Evening News reports.

Joe McCoy resigned unexpectedly as chairman in May. Lana Causley is serving as acting chair.

Some tribal members, including former chairman Aaron Payment, want a new election. But the board has declined to schedule one, citing a provision in tribal law that requires at least six months between elections -- the next election isn't until January 2012.

Get the Story:
Tribal Board could appoint new chairman in August (The Soo Evening News 7/27)

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Board of Sault Tribe appoints Lana Causley as interim chair (6/15)
Sault Tribe won't hold special election to replace chairman (5/26)
Darwin McCoy unexpectedly resigns from chair of Soo Tribe (5/11)