TOWER — Carlos A. Hernandez was narrowly elected Bois Forte chairman in a special election Tuesday, June 17.
Hernandez received exactly 50% of the vote and beat Travis Morrison, who previously represented Nett Lake on the Tribal Council, by just three votes.
Hernandez is a housing maintenance technician for the band in Vermilion who unsuccessfully ran for chairperson last year.
He thanked everyone who voted on social media Wednesday.
"I do not take this lightly," Hernandez wrote. "I will carry your voices with me and continue listening, learning, and working to bring our community together. There is a lot to heal and build, and I believe we can do it together.”
Hernandez and Morrison advanced from the special primary in April as the top two vote-getters of the six who were running for chairperson.
The band had a special election after Cathy Chavers stepped down in January to focus on her mental health. Chavers had just been elected to her third term.
Hernandez will serve out the term, which ends in 2028.
-
A list of resources, information and answers to questions about Bemidji storm recovery, including cleanup tips, road and other closures and how to support the community. -
Some remained without power Monday afternoon, the BSU and NTC campuses are still closed and storm debris still blocks trails, roads and more as cleanup continues. -
Music'Every Ghost' by Kelsey Waldon is KAXE's Album of the Week for June 23-29, 2025.
