Edward Manuel facts for kids

Edward D. Manuel is an American politician. He is the current leader, called the Chairman, of the Tohono Oʼodham Nation. This is a Native American tribe located in southern Arizona. He has served as Chairman for two different periods: first from 1995 to 2003, and then again from 2015 until today. Edward Manuel comes from a place called Pisinemo, Arizona.

What is the Tohono O'odham Nation?

The Tohono O'odham Nation is a self-governing Native American tribe. They have their own government and laws, similar to how a state or country has its own leaders. The Chairman is like the president or governor of the Nation. This role involves making important decisions for the community and representing the Tohono O'odham people.

Edward Manuel's First Time as Chairman

Edward Manuel first became the Chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation in 1995. He was chosen by the people in an election. He did a good job, and so he was re-elected for a second term in 1999. In that election, he won against another candidate named Vivian Juan-Saunders and her running mate, Ned Norris, Jr..

A Break from Being Chairman

After serving two terms, Edward Manuel wanted to be Chairman for a third time. However, in the election held in May 2003, he was defeated. This time, Vivian Juan-Saunders won the election. She received 59% of the votes and won in most of the voting areas. After this, Edward Manuel was no longer the Chairman.

Returning to Lead the Nation

Several years later, in May 2015, Edward Manuel decided to run for Chairman again. Before this, he had been working as a representative in the Nation's government for two years. He ran with Verlon Jose as his running mate. They won the election by a small number of votes, defeating the person who was Chairman at the time, Ned Norris, Jr.. This meant Edward Manuel became Chairman for a third time, and he continues to serve in this important role today.