BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – The Delaware Tribe of Indians made history Nov. 6 by electing the first woman chief of the tribe.

Paula Pechonick, Bartlesville received 44% of the votes. Pechonick is a native to the area and was raised on her grandmother’s allotment.  She has many years of tribal experience ranging from the Tribal Council, Trust Board and Tribal judge to serving on various committees.  She said, “It is time to bring the Tribe back to our people.”

The ballots were sent out to all registered voters with current addresses in October. Voters sent in ballots or voted in person Nov. 6.

The Delaware Tribe of Indians has approximately 11,000 members throughout the United States and other countries. There are about 6,500 members of voting age on the rolls.

Pechonick was sworn in Nov. 13.