Petition to remove Spirit Lake Nation chairman gathers steam

Tuesday, April 23, 2013  

Members of the Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota continue to gather signatures on a petition to oust Roger Yankton as chairman.

Petition organizers say they have collected enough signatures to force a vote on the matter. In the meantime, the Bureau of Indian Affairs continues to recognize Yankton as the rightful leader of the tribe.

Critics say Yankton hasn't responded to their concerns and has refused to call a general council meeting.

Get the Story:
Spirit Lake petition gaining signatures (WDAZ 4/22)
BIA still sees Yankton as Spirit Lake leader (The Grand Forks Herald 4/21)

Spirit Lake Nation voters oust incumbent vice chair in primary (4/18)
Rival chairman of Spirit Lake Nation won't try to take over post (4/17)
Chairman of Spirit Lake Nation still in office after disputed vote (4/16)
General council of Spirit Lake Nation votes to remove chairman (4/15)