Tribe Elects New Slate of Officers and Makes History 

661 tribal members cast their ballot in the Tribe’s general election on May 16. In the process, the Tribe elected a full slate of new officers and made Brian Weeden the youngest Chairman in Tribal history. In addition to the new slate of officers, council member David Weeden was reelected.

The newly elected council was sworn in on May 23 at the Old Indian Meeting House. Rabbit Clan Mother Marlene Lopez issued the oath to Chairman Weeden. Chairman Weeden then followed by issuing the oath to each elected official. Chairman Weeden presented each elected official with an eagle feather.

The newly elected Chairman has committed himself and the new administration to restoring unity and trust in tribal government. “We need to get back to our traditional ways,” said Chairman Weeden. “By listening to our elders and spiritual leaders and providing guidance to our youth we can build a Wampanoag Nation that will survive and grow over the next seven generations.”

Steps to restoring this trust were taken almost immediately with a elders’ meeting with Vice Chairman Hendricks at the end of May and a new internship program for tribal youth and a social on July 3 that will bring back many of the traditions that can be overshadowed in a commercial powwow.

Chairman Weeden also plans to organize more unity conferences, and ceremonial gatherings. It’s through these types of gatherings that the new administration hopes to listen and provide transparency in tribal government dealings.

Full election results:

Chairman/Chairwoman
Brian Weeden: 241
Nelson Andrews Jr.: 221
Aaron Tobey Jr.: 167
Kyle Bassett: 20

Vice Chairman/Vice Chairwoman
Carlton Hendricks Jr.: 371
Edwina “Winnie” Johnson-Graham: 272

Secretary
Cassie Jackson: 374

Treasurer
Marie Stone: 223
Charles “Bobby” Foster: 147
Angela Marcellino: 125
Karen Edwards Siegel: 116 

Tribal Council Member
David Weeden: 446
Kimberly Frye: 168