Darrell "Chip" Wadena. Still from Super Chief documentary

Darrell "Chip" Wadena, a former chairman of the White Earth Nation of Minnesota, died today. He was 75.

Wadena led the tribe from 1976 to 1996 and was considered a political powerhouse in Minnesota and in Washington, D.C. But the self-described "Super Chief" faced criticism at home for his strong-arm tactics and eventually was convicted of conspiracy, bribery, money laundering, theft and embezzlement charges.

“I want people to remember him for the good he has done,” Chairwoman Erma Vizenor, who was challenged by Wadena when he tried to make a comeback in 2004, told The Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Serving in tribal office is not an easy job.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Chip Wadena, longtime head of White Earth band, dies at 75 (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 6/24)