The spiritual and political leader of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians has resigned, and his ceremonial and leadership roles will go unfilled until November.

Chief David Brainard, 64, turned in his resignation this month, vacating his seat the same day. Tribal members elected him as chief of tribes in July 2005 to complete a term held by James Lott. A chief’s term lasts 10 years.

Brainard, who lives near Florence in Dunes City, said he chose to step down because he wants to spend more time with his grandkids and hobbies, including woodworking, fishing and bow hunting. He also said he no longer has the energy to fulfill the job’s needs.

In addition to ceremonial duties, which included presiding over tribal weddings and funerals, the chief is a voting member of the Tribal Council. Brainard also sat on the Gamin Facility Operational Review Board, a board of directors for the Three Rivers Casino and Hotel.

“I realized that my wife was right when she complained that I haven’t been spending enough time with them,” Brainard said in a message to The World. “My heart definitely is not in this job anymore. I want to do other things. I wish the tribe well.

“I just don’t have the enthusiasm nor the energy to ... do the job as well as it should be done.”

This month, Brainard oversaw his fourth sacred Salmon Ceremony for the tribes. He said he stayed on the job until after the ceremony so that the new chief wouldn’t be overwhelmed.

Bob Garcia, the chairman of the tribal council, posted a letter about the chief’s resignation last week to explain the situation.

“I’m still slightly confused, too,” Garcia admitted. “Being a volunteer politician is something that takes a lot of time.”

However, he said Brainard’s decision did not come as a complete surprise, as Brainard considered resigning last year.

The Confederated Tribes will hold a special election on Nov. 9 — the second Sunday in the month — to fill out the term, which sunsets in 2010.

The new chief would take the seat immediately upon election. Garcia described the unpaid job as a combination of political and governmental duties, as well as being the tribe’s spiritual leader.

At this point, no candidates have come forward, but they have until 30 days before the election to turn in the forms announcing their candidacies. Garcia said about 30 days before the election, candidate forums will be held “so tribal members can have discourse with candidates.”

Garcia said there are approximately 550 eligible voting members, and he expects 200 to 300 to take part in the election.

According to a notice on the Confederated Tribes’ Web site, eligible candidates must be members of the tribe and 21 years old or older. They also must never have been previously removed from an elected office for good cause.

While the Tribes must move forward, Garcia expressed some sadness over Brainard’s departure. He thanked Brainard for his hand work and diligence.

“I hope we can find a candidate that meets the high standards of office that he has shown,” Garcia said.