Ben Speak Thunder, the president of the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council of Montana, resigned suddenly on Monday.

Speak Thunder, who served seven years as leader of the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes, gave no reason for his decision. Vice President Darrell Martin said it may be linked to the council's vote against a business opportunity he was promoting.

Speak Thunder was an Assiniboine. If the council accepts his resignation, Darrell Martin, a Gros Ventre, will become president. A new vice president from the Assiniboine tribe will then be appointed.

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Tribal leader resigns (The Great Falls Tribune 5/12)