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NETT LAKE— Citing a need to take care of her mental health, Bois Forte Tribal Chair Cathy Chavers announced her retirement on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Chavers, who won her third term in June of 2024, will stay in her role as tribal chair until Friday, Jan. 31.
Bois Forte Tribal Vice Chair Shane Drift will take over for Chavers until her seat is filled.
“I’ve worked for the Bois Forte Tribe for 47 years and have always told others to take care of themselves, but I never followed my own advice,” said Chavers. “I’m just mentally exhausted—tribal government and politics are tough, and it was time for me to take care of myself.”
Chavers said she started thinking about resigning in December but wanted to talk to her family first. Her biggest disappointment with her decision was letting down her Uncle Bill King, who has been like a father to her over the years and was always there to lend advice when she needed it most.
“I also feel bad because I just won the election back in June and didn’t want to let my supporters down, but I needed to do this,” said Chavers, who served on many committees in her time as tribal chair, including a previous stint as President of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT).
Chavers said she has no regrets about the work she did on behalf of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and would like to be remembered as the “little engine” that could.
“From my perspective, anything is possible,” said Chavers, who foresees a career outside of tribal politics once she gives up her role as tribal chair. “It’s important to have a seat at the table and stand up for yourself. I’d like to think I always did that for the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, and that’s something that I’ll always be proud of.”
In accordance with the MCT Election Ordinance, a special election will be held at a later date to fulfill the remainder of her four-year term, which expires in June of 2028.
