Northern Cheyenne leadership dispute heads into council meeting

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council was scheduled to meet today, Sept. 15, after voting Sept. 11 to remove President Gene Small, according to Montana Free Press. Council member Melissa Fisher brought forward a complaint alleging constitutional violations, misuse of funds and ethics breaches.

President Small has rejected the removal vote, saying in a Sept. 12 video statement, “I am still your president.” Traditional leaders have called on members of the legislative branch, the tribal secretary and treasurer to step down, while the Bureau of Indian Affairs said it recognizes both the council and the president as part of the governing body. As of Sept. 12, Montana Free Press reported it remained unclear which entity has final authority.