Sandra Witherspoon was elected as the new Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB) tribal chairman, according to the 2024 general unofficial election results from Tuesday. Witherspoon received 235 votes (57.2%), with tribal councilor incumbent Brian Napont earning 176 (42.8%) of the total votes. The current tribal chairman, David Arroyo, did not run for reelection, and will serve until his term ends on May 17.
Tribal members have until May 14 to file election challenges with the tribe’s election board. If no challenges are filed, the general election results will be certified by May 15.
Along with Witherspoon, GTB members in the six county service area voted for Angelina Raphael (251 votes), Anna Miller (202 votes), and incumbent Donna Swallows (190 votes). The three candidates will serve on the GTB council to replace council members’ terms that expire this year including: Theresa Marshall and Robert Kewaygoshkum. Tribal candidates that followed behind in votes included Scott Lewis (182 votes), Tanya Raphael (153 votes), and Sandra Witherspoon (152 votes).
