The ousted chairman of the Fort Peck Tribes of Montana is appealing to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

John Morales says the tribal council's decision to remove him was unconstitutional. He says general council meeting he called to remove his opponents is legal.

The tribal council contends otherwise. After removing Morales from office on Monday, officials said local BIA superintendent Spike Bighorn has approved of their actions.

Morales was removed for not following a directive to sign a pipeline-related lease.

Get the Story:
Morales appeals tribal council removal to BIA (The Great Falls Tribune 6/16)
Fort Peck tribal board seeks bureau recognition (The Billings Gazette 6/16)

Related Stories:
Fort Peck council removes chairman from office (6/15)
Fort Peck tribal members oust most of council (6/14)
Fort Peck leadership dispute continues (06/02)
Fort Peck tribal offices closed in internal dispute (05/27)
Chairman of Montana tribe locked out of office (05/25)