LOWER BRULE, S.D. (AP) - Hundreds of mourners, representatives from South Dakota's tribal governments and state and federal leaders have gathered to remember late Lower Brule Sioux Tribal Chairman Michael Jandreau.
The funeral for the longtime tribal leader known as an icon in Indian Country was held Thursday at the Lower Brule Community Center.
The 71-year-old Jandreau died on April 3rd from heart problems at a Sioux Falls hospital after serving as a leader in the tribe for more than 35 years.
Jandreau was known for a variety of economic development projects but had recently faced allegations of financial wrongdoing.
Former Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation Chairman Tex Hall said he always knew Jandreau as "chairman" because of his extended tenure.
Jandreau's nephew, Boyd Gourneau, called the service "a wonderful tribute for a wonderful man."