Blackfeet Tribal Chairman removed

Blackfeet Tribal Chairman removed

By Clara Caufield

Native Sun News Today Correspondent

 

An recent incident on the Blackfeet Reservation, Browning, Montana sharply illustrates how the drug abuse epidemic on the Great Plains Reservations is having devastating effects on entire communities, reaching out to touch of lives of even the most prominent members of the Tribe.

On April 7, 2022, Chairman Timothy Davis, Blackfeet Tribal Chairman Browing, MT was removed by a unanimous vote of 9 – 0.  Davis himself voted for his own removal.

The action took place shortly after several people, including relatives of Davis were arrested at the Chairman’s residence by the Blackfeet Law enforcement and the FBI with search warrant conducted a search of the home.  The arrests were made on March 31, 2022, at about 6:00 a.m. when tribal and federal officers arrived at the home with search warrant and conducted at search.

Nine people were charged in Tribal Court with misdemeanors, as that Court has limited jurisdiction.  Due high interest in the case, an effort was made to have those closed to the public, but that was over-ruled. Tribal Chief Judge Jeremey Brave-Heart will preside over the proceedings primarily for child endangerment and drug-related offenses.  There is not yet information about whether Federal charges will be pursued.

The individuals charged and who have all pled not guilty to charges of possession of drug paraphernalia include and child endangerment include: Billie Joe Blackman; Murlaina Thomas; Rylee Heavy Runner (also with an outstanding warrant); Timothy Davis, Jr. (also with sales of dangerous drugs); Shawn Davis (also with sale of dangerous drugs); Brendan Davis (also sale of dangerous drugs); Josiah Davis (also with sale of dangerous drugs); Westin Davis and Odell Davis.

Davis was not present at the residence at the time and has not been charged with any offenses.  Josh Lamson, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Blackfeet Tribe stated in a press release “In order to correct any misinformation that may be in circulation, let me confirm that Chairman Davis was not charged or arrested and was not at the home at the time of the search.”

After the vote to remove Davis, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council selected Illif “Scott” Kipp, Vice-Chairman Jr. as the new Chairman.  Davis will continue to serve on the Council for the rest of his term which expires in 2024

In a public statement Kipp noted: “The Blackfeet Nation will continue to move forward in a positive way for all the Blackfeet people. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council stands in unity to work together for the best interest of the Tribe.”

 

(Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)

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