The leader of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota has been suspended from office in an ongoing dispute with the tribal council.

Chairman Richard Marcellais was "harassing" the tribal council, according to a tribal court order. He is barred from entering tribal council chambers while the council considers removing him on a permanent basis.

But Marcellais isn't going quietly. He says he has the power to suspend the council and is challenging the tribal court's recent order.

Marcellais, who also serves as a state senator, and the council have a history of conflict, according to one council member but it's not clear what caused the recent dispute.

Get the Story:
Written judicial order clarifies Turtle Mountain tribal constitutional conflict (The Grand Forks Herald 7/22)
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Power struggle ensues at Turtle Mountain reservation (The Grand Forks Herald 7/18)