The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has elected its youngest chairman, after a close vote on Sunday.
Brian Weeden is 28. He beat out three opponents, winning with 37 percent of the vote.
Second place finisher Nelson Andrews received 34 percent of the vote.
In an interview with CAI following the victory, Weeden said he hopes to unite the tribe after taking over from two turbulent administrations. The past two chairmen were removed after federal investigations.
"With this team, and this administration, we are going to work towards restoring our integrity, our traditions, our culture and a lot of other things," Weeden said.
Weeden said his initial priorities will be to form an ethics committee, and work with the general membership of the tribe to enact constitutional reform, while restoring the integrity of the tribe's leadership.
Weeden won the election with 241 votes.
"I think constitutional reform will help restore the voice of the people," Weeden said. "It's going to take the community, the general membership meetings, getting their input, coming together for a strategic plan for the tribe and where we see ourselves headed for the next few years."
Weeden said he hopes his success will encourage other tribal youth to seek out leadership roles.
