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FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2001

Voting members of the Crow Tribe of Montana this Saturday will consider changing the tribal constitution for the first time since 1948.

The constitution would establish three branches of government, including a legislative body, and includes various free speech protections. The tribe already has an executive council and a judiciary.

The legislative idea is opposed by some because tribal members currently vote on issues. The proposed constitution transfers most of those voting powers to a legislative body.

But since potential legislators must live on the reservation and not be employed by the tribe or the federal government, it would necessarily limit representation. The largest employers of tribal members are the tribe and the United States.

There are also questions on whether the judiciary will have enough power to review decisions of the executive branch.

Saturday's meeting also includes a proposal by ousted Secretary Titon Old Bull to conduct an audit of tribal funds and suspend top officials of the Bird in Ground administration.

Get the Story:
Crow leaders plan ‘absolute power,’ foes say (The Billings Gazette 7/13)