Overview:
A tribal chairman announces he will not resign as the tribe's child welfare department falls under scrutiny.
Red Lake Nation Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. has released a statement that he will not be stepping down amid revelations that a pattern of neglect within the tribe’s child welfare program led to the deaths of eight children.
The statement comes just days after the tribe said the Red Lake Nation Tribal Council asked Seki to step down after Bureau of Indian Affairs documents detailing the agency’s September takeover of its child welfare department—called Ombimindwaa Gidinawemaaganiaadog (Ombi)—were made public.
The 11-page document includes assertions that Ombi staff had failed to act in several cases where children were endangered and later died as a result. Records state that tribal officials, including Seki and Ombi’s Executive Director Cheri Goodwin, have refused to work with federal authorities to protect the welfare of Red Lake Nation’s children.
On Friday, Oct. 16, the tribal council issued a statement that it had requested Seki to step down from his position within two weeks.
The statement read in part:
“He acknowledged that mistakes were made in how important information was not communicated to the Tribal Council, and agreed to step down. We recognize the difficulty of these circumstances and respect his decision to make this announcement on his own terms as we continue working together to move our Nation forward.
We recognize the seriousness of these circumstances, particularly the allegations that have surfaced, the ongoing reassumption, and most importantly, the tragic loss of children’s lives. Our hearts and deepest sympathies remain with the families and community members who have experienced unimaginable loss. We must never lose sight of the lives and families at the center of these matters.”
However, Seki says he will not be stepping down. His statement, posted on Facebook, reads as follows.
To the Red Lake Tribal Members:
I have informed the Red Lake Tribal Council, in writing, that I am not retiring or stepping down. I remain the duly elected Chairman of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and I will continue to carry out the duties of this office that the people of Red Lake entrusted to me.
Our Nation is going through a difficult time and our members are looking for steady leadership; we owe you, our membership, a Council that stands united in purpose.
I look forward to continuing to work together for the good of the Red Lake Nation. We are strong, and we must stand as one.
— Darrell G. Seki, Sr. Tribal Chairman Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
Seki was first elected in 2014. He was reelected to another four-year term in June.
According to the tribe’s constitution and bylaws, removing a Tribal Chairman requires a referendum of eligible tribal voters. The referendum can be triggered by a petition signed by 25% of tribal voters or an affirmative vote of eight members of the Tribal Council.
