By Chris Winters, Herald Writer

TULALIP — Former Tulalip Tribes chairman Mel Sheldon Jr. will return to that role when he is sworn in at the tribes’ board meeting April 4.

He was returned to the tribal board of directors after annual elections Saturday. Sheldon, who was also elected chairman in a separate vote, returns a year after being ousted.

“I have had a year to reflect and a year to learn from mistakes,” Sheldon said.

He said he will continue working to increase communication and transparency with tribal membership.

Also, board member Marlin Fryberg Jr. won re-election, but Deborah Parker did not run again.

There were 15 candidates running for the two seats. Sheldon received 405 votes and Fryberg 319. Board members are elected for three-year terms.

Glen Gobin was named vice-chairman, Les Parks will be treasurer, and board secretary Marie Zackuse will continue in that position.

Current chairman Herman Williams Sr. will remain on the board as an at-large member.

Sheldon credited the board and Chairman Williams for their work, including the Tribes’ response to the shootings at Marysville Pilchuck High School.

“We had some very sensitive issues that came out, like how we protect our women and children, and through his leadership we were able to have that discussion,” Sheldon said.

He also credited Parker for her role in the 2013 VAWA reauthorization, which gives tribal authorities the ability to prosecute domestic violence crimes committed on the reservation against non-tribal members.

Sheldon was a commercial fisherman before joining the Tribes’ board 16 years ago. He served as chairman from 2009-14. In the past year, he has worked as senior vice president of Native American Affairs for Strategies 360, a public policy consulting and lobbying firm.