Leadership dispute divides Northern Cheyenne Tribe ahead of controversial election

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe is facing a leadership crisis marked by arrests, frozen bank accounts and a disputed special election that bars women from running, according to the Montana Free Press.

The conflict began after Tribal President Gene Small initiated an audit into the council’s use of federal COVID-19 relief funds, leading to his removal by the council on Sept. 11. Small and a group of traditional leaders responded by appointing a new interim council, which approved an Oct. 30 election to fill eight seats. The original council members say the election is invalid and have filed legal complaints.

Several council members were arrested earlier this month, and tribal accounts were frozen as both sides claim authority. The Bureau of Indian Affairs said it will not intervene in the dispute.