Chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe blocked from taking office

Tuesday, October 8, 2013  

Ken Blatt St. Marks was elected as chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana more than two months ago but hasn't been allowed to take office.

St. Marks was removed by the tribal council in March but won his seat back in a special election in July. His swearing-in never happened and Rick Morsette, who came in second in the election, is claiming he is interim chairman.

The election is being held in up tribal court due to challenges. But the council says it will vote to remove St. Marks if he ever takes office.

“The people are the ones who want me in there,” St. Marks told the Associated Press. “Mr. Morsette is afraid to have me sitting there and keeping an eye on them.”

St. Marks says he's being targeted because has encouraged federal authorities to investigate corruption on the reservation. Several people have been indicted this year for stealing from the tribe.

Get the Story:
Tribal council vows to remove St. Marks again (The Havre Daily News 10/7)
Chippewa Cree leadership dispute ratchets up (AP 10/7)
New charges filed in Rocky Boy embezzlement (The Havre Daily News 10/7)

Group forms to battle corruption on reservations in Montana (10/4)
New indictment in theft case involving Chippewa Cree Tribe (10/2)
Chippewa Cree Tribe delays swearing-in of chair amid challenge (08/08)