Greg Sarris, who led the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria out of obscurity and relative poverty into a place of financial and political power rare among most Native American tribes, is planning to retire from his longtime position as tribal chairman by the end of the year, multiple sources confirmed.
Sarris, 74, declined an interview request, and the federation of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo bands would not confirm the news through a public relations representative.
But Sarris’ intent to step down has been a well-known secret among those close to Graton Rancheria, and it was openly revealed during a public event Thursday, July 16, at the Finley Center in Santa Rosa to mark the release of Sarris’ latest book, “The Last Human Bear.”
