Wisconsin’s Oneida Nation has re-elected Chairman Tehassi Hill and Vice Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens to serve another term. Hill’s win will allow him to serve as Chairman for another three-year term.
The Nation held its general election on the Oneida Reservation, which is in Milwaukee and west of Green Bay. More than 1,400 Tribal citizens participated in the recent vote. The Oneida Nation is comprised of more than 17,000 members worldwide.
In a breakdown of the results, Hill gained 831 votes in Oneida and 83 votes in Milwaukee, for a total of 914. His opponent, Gina Powless-Buenrostro, secured 506 total votes.
During his time as Chairman, Hill provided Tribal leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic while the Tribe’s casinos were temporarily closed. Hill also served as Chairman while the Tribe was involved in a federal case against attorneys in the village of Hobart.
Village attorneys challenged whether the Oneida Nation had a legal right to live on its reservation. The final ruling was in favor of the Tribe.
Hill has been an advocate for Tribal sovereignty and supported the Indian Child Welfare Act before the US Supreme Court. The act “protects tribal sovereignty and gives preference to Native families in the adoption of Native children.”
Other Oneida elected officials include Vice Chairman Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens, who secured another term against challenger Eric McLester. Secretary Lisa Liggins retained her seat for another term and Larry Barton won the position of treasurer against incumbent Curtis Danforth.
