By Joe Morey
News Editor
Louis Taylor was re-elected Chairman of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in a brief Inauguration Ceremony at the tribal office on Friday, June 23, unanimously chosen by the newly sworn-in Tribal Governing Board (TGB).
The Inauguration Ceremony, which is usually held at the Sevenwinds Convention Center and was tentatively scheduled for July 3, was unexpectedly held Friday morning after a request was made by the two newly-elected TGB members, Bill Trepanier and Kelly Nayquonabe, due to scheduling conflicts.
Nayquonabe said in a statement that, “According to our Constitution the Chairman needed to call an official meeting within 15 calendar days of the general election. Mr. Trepanier and Judge Smith are on travel next week and July 3rd will fall on the 16th day.”
Chairman Taylor called for the special meeting of the Board which first held a vote by the previous council to waive the 24-hour meeting notice.
LCO Tribal Judge Elaine Smith then swore-in the newly-elected TGB members with the oath of office. The four persons were incumbent council members Michelle Beaudin and Gary “Little Guy” Clause, as well as two newcomers, Trepanier and Nayquonabe.
Immediately thereafter, nominations were taken for Chairman, which only one was made by Tweed Shuman for Taylor. Then, Judge Smith took nominations for Vice Chairman, which Bill Trepanier nominated Shuman and Don Carley nominated Clause. By show of hands, Shuman was chosen by himself, Taylor, Trepanier and Nayquonabe. Clause received votes by himself, Beaudin and Carley. Shuman will serve the next two years as Vice Chair winning the vote by 4-3.
Following that vote, Judge Smith took nominations for Secretary-Treasurer, which Tweed Shuman nominated Bill Trepanier and Don Carley nominated Beaudin. By show of hands, Trepanier was chosen by himself, Shuman, Taylor and Nayquonabe. Beaudin received votes by herself, Clause and Carley. Trepanier will serve the next two years as Secretary-Treasurer winning the vote by 4-3.
A ceremonial Inauguration event may still be held on Monday, July 3, at the Convention Center, which would be held to recognize the newly elected TGB and allow outgoing council members as well as the new ones to say a few words to the Membership.
Judge Elaine Smith, left, prepares to swear in newly elected council members. Chairman Louis Taylor at the podium with seated council members from left, Bill Trepanier, Kelly Nayquonabe, Tweed Shuman, Michelle Beaudin.
Swearing in from left, Bill Trepanier, Kelly Nayquonabe, Gary "Little Guy" Clause, Michelle Beaudin.