Gary Besaw was elected the new chairman for the Menominee Indian Tribe at its annual reorganizational meeting Thursday in Keshena.
Besaw replaces Joan Delabreau, who will continue to serve as a tribal legislator.
“Maec Waewaenen, which means ‘thank you’ in our language,” Besaw said. “I am honored to once again serve as tribal chairman for the Menominee Nation. … As a nation, we have faced many obstacles and challenging times, and this legislative year will prove to be no different with the changing climate concerning preservation and protection of our natural resources, culture, sovereignty, and the needs of our tribal membership.”
Besaw served as tribal chairman in 2015, vice chairman in 2003 and tribal secretary in 2008. He was first elected to the tribal legislature in 2002.
“I would like to congratulate Chairman Besaw on the election and wish him well,” Delabreau said. “His past experience serving not only as a legislator, but on the executive council, will continue to benefit the Menominee Nation. I wish him well and look forward to continuing my service working with the tribal Legislature.”
Eugene Caldwell, Ronald Corn Sr. and incumbent Craig Corn also were sworn in Thursday to serve three-year terms on the tribal Legislature. Craig Corn will serve as vice chair and Caldwell as tribal secretary.