Osage Nation Chief John Red Eagle loses bid to stop removal

Tuesday, January 7, 2014  

Chief John Red Eagle of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma will face a removal trial after losing a lawsuit in tribal court.

Red Eagle challenged the constitutionality of the removal process and claimed his due process rights were violated. But the Osage Supreme Court rejected both arguments and said Red Eagle will be able to answer his accusers at the upcoming trial.

The Osage Nation Congress will convene the trial on January 13. Lawmakers will consider whether Red Eagle abused his power, interfered with investigations by the tribe's attorney general and failed to carry out certain tribal laws.

The 12 members of the Congress will serve as the jury. A removal vote requires 10 votes.

Get the Story:
Osage Nation proceeding with Chief's removal trial (The Native American Times 1/5)
Osage Nation chief faces ouster trial after losing court ruling on process (The Tulsa World 1/4)

Relevant Documents:
Osage Supreme Court Decision: Red Eagle v. Osage Nation Congress (January 2, 2014)
Select Committee of Inquiry, Osage Nation Congress (October 28, 2013)

Osage Nation Congress votes to convene removal trial of chief (11/19)
Osage Nation Congress sets special session to discuss report (10/30)
Osage Nation Congress to consider removal of Chief Red Eagle (10/29)