Northern Cheyenne leadership dispute heads into council meeting

September 15, 2025

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.

1.Montana Free Press.

1.Montana Free Press.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and Editor in Chief

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.