Tribal Elections Wrap Up, Azure Reelected
The inauguration ceremony for the 2021-2023 Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes executive board was held at the Greet the Dawn Auditorium in Poplar at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 1.
As of press time, election results were still being verified.
Unofficial election results include the following winners with vote counts: Floyd Azure won for chairman with 893 votes; Charlie Headdress, vice chairman (920); and Bruce Damon, sergeant-at-arms (1,202).
Preliminary results show tribal executive board members likely elected include: Alexander Smith (790), Melvin Rattling Thunder (626), Justin Gray Hawk Sr. (577), Dana Buckles (447), Patt Iron Cloud Runs Through (450), Carolyn Bighorn Brugh (467), Grant Stafne (836), Marva Chapman (928), Bryce Kirk (533), Shannon Martell (505), Stacey Summers (491), Wayne Martell (476) and judges Imogene Lilley (743) and Lonnie Headdress (1,007).
During his inaugural speech, newly reelected chairman Azure pledged to work with the new council to combat the drug and alcohol problems plaguing the reservation. He stated that those problems are the root of many of the other crimes happening on the reservation.
He stressed treatment for those with drug and alcohol addictions and the importance of education for the reservation’s youth.
“I’m happy that the campaigning season has brought a lot of awareness of the issues that are plaguing our Assiniboine and Sioux tribal members,” said Patt Runs Through. “I’m glad that I’ve always gone to the different communities and into the tribal homes to speak to members and hear their concerns. I love serving the people. I love visiting with the children at the local schools and making them aware of MMIW and MMIP.”
Returning TEB member Grant Stafne expressed relief at the results. “I am happier than hell,” said Stafne. “It’s been a tough two years for everyone.”
