Wilson selected as new Tribal leader for Little River Band

Observer Staff

2/28/2006 12:00:00 AM

MANISTEE (AP)-Patrick Wilson, an American Indian artist, was named as interim leader of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians on Feb. 8.

Wilson replaces Lee Sprague, whom the Tribal Council fired last week as ogema, or chief, of the 3,200-member Tribe.

The council-in accordance with Article X, Section 4(a) of the constitution of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians-unanimously appointed Wilson, who will serve until the Tribe's April 2007 election.

During his swearing-in ceremony, Wilson was presented with a blanket, an eagle feather and an eagle head sculpture.

"We are a family, the Tribe, we need to come together and be united and have a vision for this Tribe," Wilson said.

Renowned for his artwork, Wilson has held a number of positions with the Tribal government and was in charge of creating the cultural corridor at the Little River Casino, Tribal spokesman Glenn Zaring said.

He is pictured displaying an artifact from the Caleb E. Calkins collection, while serving as curator for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan at the Ziibiwing Cultural Society in June of 2002.