Chippewa Cree Tribe postpones election due to challenge

Wednesday, May 22, 2013  

The election committee for the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana postponed a special election for the chairman's post.

The election was due to take place yesterday. But a tribal court lawsuit filed by former chairman Ken Blatt St. Marks raised questions about the proceeding, the election committee said.

At issue is a 1996 ordinance that bars people who were removed from office for certain reasons from running again. St. Marks, who was ousted from the chairman's post in March for "neglect of duty and gross misconduct," says the ordinance is no longer law on the reservation.

St. Marks said he was removed because he has encouraged federal agencies to investigate corruption on the reservation. Five people have been indicted in connection with theft of tribal funds.

Get the Story:
Board cancels special election (The Great Falls Tribune 5/22)
Rocky Boy election board votes to delay election (The Havre Daily News 5/22)

Chippewa Cree Tribe bars ousted leader from running again (5/10)
Chippewa Cree Tribe suspends two following theft indictment (5/9)
Five indicted over theft of money from Chippewa Cree Tribe (5/7)
Chippewa Cree Tribe under scrutiny for $361M pipeline project (04/22)
Chippewa Cree Tribe plans for special election for chairman (03/28)
Chippewa Cree Tribe removes leader after he refuses hearing (3/26)
Chippewa Cree Tribe meets to consider future of chairman (3/25)
Chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe charged with trespassing (3/21)
Chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe arrested in ongoing dispute (3/20)
Chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe disputes removal from post (3/19)