National
Blackfeet council member suspended indefinitely


The Blackfeet Nation council voted 7-1 to suspend Pat "Sam" Schildt indefinitely after a vote to oust him failed.

The council spent four hours debating Schildt's fate on Tuesday. He walked out after he was not allowed to respond to conflict of interest charges laid against him for his relationship with energy companies that do business with the tribe.

"There was really no sense in stepping into a kangaroo court situation, which is exactly what it was turning into," Schildt told The Great Falls Tribune.

The council said it would turn over documents to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Solicitor General and the U.S. Attorney General over his dealings with oil and gas companies. Schildt has denied any wrongdoing.

Get the Story:
BTBC asks for opinion on vote, Schildt still suspended (The Glacier Reporter 2/23)
Blackfeet council extends suspension (The Great Falls Tribune 2/22)

Relevant Links:
Blackfeet Nation - http://www.blackfeetnation.com

Related Stories:
Blackfeet council sets hearing to remove member (02/01)
Blackfeet Nation council to get two new leaders (08/11)
Blackfeet Nation council removes chairman (06/23)
Chairman once ousted regains Blackfeet Nation post (07/09)
New paper takes on 'corruption' on Blackfeet Nation (06/16)
Fired lawyer spills beans on tribal misspending (7/21)
Blackfeet leaders call for separation of powers (05/05)
Blackfeet tribal court affirms leadership ouster (4/7)
Blackfeet tribal court hears leadership dispute (4/3)
New Blackfeet chairman appointed amid turmoil (02/07)
Blackfeet council chairman ousted from post (01/17)
Report: Blackfeet dispute lingers (11/11)
10-hour marathon council meeting (11/8)
Blackfeet chairman target of ouster (11/5)