Kiowa Tribe mired in leadership dispute as some seek BIA help


The Little Rabbits Head Start in Anadarko, Oklahoma, is one of the casualties of ongoing leadership issutes within the Kiowa Tribe. Photo from Facebook

Members of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma are growing tired of leadership disputes that never seem to be resolved.

Some of them are now hoping the Bureau of Indian Affairs will intervene and order a new election, The Lawton Constitution reported. They are holding a meeting in hopes of resolving a crisis that they say has impacted federal funds, tribal services and other programs, including the closure of the Little Rabbits Head Start.

"We're trying to rally up our tribal members to help us out," Billie Foreman, who is circulating a petition that calls for a new vote, told the paper.

Amber Toppah has claimed to be in charge of the tribe even though the BIA hasn't recognized the result of an election since December 2010. Other council members also have remained in office.

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Kiowas still trying to resolve issues (The Lawton Constitution 1/15)

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