Chitimacha Tribe's first female chairman takes oath of office

Melissa Darden was administered the oath of office Wednesday for the office of Chitimacha Tribal Chairman, the first woman ever elected to the top post in tribal government.
She was sworn in at Chitimacha Tribal Courts by judge pro-tempore Ed Leonard.
Leonard said the tribal chairman is “looked upon, by tradition, by the broader community as the tribal leader on both legal and public matters.”
He said he has worked with Darden within the tribal court system. “From day one I have admired and appreciated her efforts,” he said.
Darden won election in June against incumbent chairman O’Neil Darden.
After the swearing-in, Darden thanked her supporters. “I promise to work with the tribal council for what is best for the tribe,” she said.
According to the tribe’s website, “In 1916, the Chitimacha Tribe was federally recognized by the United States Government. During most of this time the tribe was governed in the traditional manner, by a Chief. However, on November 7, 1970, the General Council of the Chitimacha People voted to adopt a constitutional form of government, which was approved by the Secretary of the Interior on January 14, 1971 and has been in force since that time. The Chitimacha Tribal Constitution provides for residence on trust lands, membership criteria, and most importantly for governance of tribal affairs, though a five member Tribal Council. The chief executive of the Chitimacha tribe is the Tribal Chairman. The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana was the first Louisiana tribe to adopt a constitution.”