Few details about well-being of Lower Brule Sioux Tribe leader


A view of the Narrows Interpretive Area Trail on the reservation. Photo from Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

Michael Jandreau, the longtime chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, remains hospitalized but few details about his condition have been reported.

Tribal attorney Marshall Matz told The Sioux Falls Argus Leader that Jandreau has been suffering from pneumonia, which caused a heart problem. The 71-year-old leader is being treated at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.

Vice Chairman Kevin Wright said he was trying to get information about Jandreau's condition but hasn't been told anything. He has been at odds with the man who has led the tribe for 36 years.

"Those guys won't tell me anything because they know I would be next in line," Wright told the paper.

A report from Human Rights Watch accused the tribe of failing to account for millions of dollars in funds received from the federal government. Jandreau and his allies have denied any wrongdoing.

Get the Story:
Embattled tribal leader rushed to Sioux Falls (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 3/31)

Human Rights Watch Report:
Secret and Unaccountable: The Tribal Council at Brule and Its Impact on Human Rights (January 2015)

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