TAMA, Iowa, November 4, 2025: Friends, family, and colleagues gathered in the Tribal Council Chambers at the Meskwaki Tribal Center to witness the swearing-in of three newly elected members of the Meskwaki Tribal Council. Jarvis Bear, Drayton Roberts, and Luci Roberts officially took their oaths of office, administered by outgoing Tribal Chairman Vern Jefferson.
A fourth newly elected member, Paige Brown, will be sworn in next week. Brown will make history as the youngest female ever elected to the Tribal Council.
During the ceremony, the newly elected council members expressed their gratitude and dedication to the Meskwaki community.
Beginning his second term on Tribal Council, Jarvis Bear said he remains committed to serving the Meskwaki people. “I’ll do my best to serve, looking out for what is in the best interest of the Tribe,” he said. “I’ll listen to what people have to say and work to get it done.” He noted that input from community members will continue to shape his work on the Council.
Drayton Roberts, also returning for a second term, shared that having previously served on Tribal Council gives him a better understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of the role.
“Because it’s my second time in office, I have a better understanding of the job,” he said. “I’m looking to the future for our Tribe and for what is going to be beneficial for us. Together with the rest of Tribal Council, I’ll focus on meeting the Tribe’s upcoming fiscal and community needs.”
Luci Roberts thanked all the people who voted, along with the election committee who invested so much of their time during the election process. She said, “I’ll put my best foot forward and work hard. I plan to be active in meetings and work sessions, and I’m eager to work with the rest of Tribal Council to serve our community.”
The Tribal Council elections, held every four years, fill seven member positions, staggered every two years to ensure continuity in leadership. Following each election, Council Members vote among themselves to determine the Tribal Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer.
The newly elected members join Vice Chairman Mike Stacey, Zach Old Bear and Demetreus Wanatee. The Council oversees several key areas of Tribal government, including State, Local, and Federal Relations; Enrollment; Education; Housing; Agriculture; Employment; and Health.
This year’s ceremony also recognized outgoing Tribal Council Chairman Vern Jefferson and Tribal Council Members Andre Roberts, Vance Brown, and Apollo Davenport for their dedicated service to the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa. Each made significant contributions to advancing community priorities, strengthening programs, and supporting long-term development initiatives.
“We are grateful for the years of service and leadership provided by Vern, Andre, Vance, and Apollo,” said JoAnn YoungBear, Executive Director. “Their commitment to our community has made a lasting difference, and we look forward to building on their progress with our newly elected members.”
Click here to view pictures from the event.
MESKWAKI MEDIA SERVICES
