Cheryl Andrews-Maltais has been re-elected as chairperson of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head tribal council, staving off a challenge from Aquinnah Cultural Center program director NaDaizja Bolling.
Cheryl received 151 votes to Ms. Bolling’s 127, according to official results.
Originally scheduled as part of a general tribal membership meeting last month, the election was held via mail-in only voting and results were tabulated and announced at the meeting.
Part of a newly formed coalition of tribal council candidates, NaDaizja was aligned in her candidacy with Linda Coombs, Camille Madison and incumbent Kristina Hook-Leslie — each running for general tribal council seats — and Kayla Darcy (Manning) for tribal council secretary.
In a statement posted online, Ms. Andrews-Maltais said she was honored to be re-elected to her fifth term as tribal chairperson.
“I am so grateful to have the confidence and support of my People,” Ms. Andrews-Maltais said in the press release. “Their continued support energizes me and makes the hard work and long hours all worth it."
Linda, Camille and Kristina were each elected to the council, according to official results. Nefertiti Jette was elected as secretary, defeating Kayla 143-130.
Cheryl has served as tribal chairperson since 2016, spearheading its pursuit of gaming rights and the development of a casino. The project has since stalled, after a federal court ruling required the tribe to obtain state and local building permits before construction.
With her re-election, Cheryl will be the longest-serving tribal chairwoman since the tribe earned federal recognition in 1987.
"Being able to look back on accomplishments that will have elevated the lives and well-being of our Tribal Community and Indian Country as a whole is so rewarding. I am so grateful to have a position that allows me the privilege to do something that I love,” Cheryl said. "“I simply cannot express how much it touches my heart, that my supporters came out to support me, so I could continue to support them."
