The newest tribal administrator for the Petersburg Indian Association says he’s been fired after just nine weeks on the job.
Bruce Jones says the PIA tribal council terminated his employment at a meeting Tuesday night. Jones says when he was hired as administrator, the tribal council gave him the authority to hire and fire employees in the organization. Jones says he tried to fire an employee but the council did not support him in that decision, leading to his termination.
Jones says he’s waiting for his attorney to get back from a hunting trip before commenting further. He had a year-long contract with the PIA that started in August. Jones has worked as the manager of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority and the city of Petersburg.
Council chair Tina Sakamoto declined comment on the termination at this time. The PIA has had multiple resignations of tribal council members and staff over the past year.
The PIA is the federally recognized tribal government that represents about 400 members in Petersburg. The organization offers numerous services for tribal members and the greater community of Petersburg.