Politics settle down at Northern Cheyenne, but still troubling

LAMEDER Mont. – The political situation at Northern Cheyenne has calmed down but remains troubling. This turmoil was fueled by a forensic audit into the use of approximately $90 million in COVID funds, proposed by President Small and initially approved by the Tribal Council, who did not fully understand the meaning of a “forensic” audit—going back seven years. Under that, even a missed motel receipt for federally-related travel could cause headaches, possibly prosecution.

The audit has been widely supported by tribal members through signed petitions, Facebook comments, and verbal comments to the Tribal Council(s).

As the initial audit reports began to emerge, the Council apparently decided to derail the process, making efforts to remove President Small, assuming that this would also halt the audit. Ironically, President Small had requested media coverage of a “Successful Search and Rescue Effort” involving a lost young girl, led by one he calls Number One: Randy Elliott, a former law enforcement officer and enrolled Cheyenne, whom he wanted to credit. “Check with that guy,” he said. Small also personally participated and provided a lavish meal for the rescuers. We should not have to go through this. Too many of our children are lost. Fortunately, we found her—disoriented but still alive. That was his immediate priority before tribal politics erupted.

The situation is complicated and confusing to tribal members who rely on social media to stay informed. As of the last report, the B.I.A. had initially approved the removal of eight tribal council members and one tribal employee who assisted the Council with questionable activities. This move was carried out by the Chiefs after days of careful deliberation— the first time in many years they assembled and engaged in Council politics— a historic moment. Some traditional ways have been weakened after decades of B.I.A. oppression, but enough still remain for the Chiefs to have some “muscle.”

The next day, the B.I.A. reversed their stance, recognized the elected Tribal Council, which then quickly assembled to remove President Small. They are still involved in that process, with recent meetings held in the B.I.A. basement and at the Muddy District Hall on September 22.

Questions arose from the removal vote, which were challenged by President Small and his tribal legal counsel, Dana Eaglefeathers. The situation grew even more confusing.

Then, the traditional Chiefs secured pro bono legal assistance from Jennifer Wheedle, an enrolled Northern Cheyenne and lawyer at a prominent Washington, D.C., law firm specializing in Indian law. She is also knowledgeable about traditional Cheyenne law. After meeting personally with the Cheyenne Chiefs in Lame Deer earlier in September, she drafted a lengthy legal treatise titled Re: Improper Refusal to Recognize Legal Authority of the Declaration of the Chiefs of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation under Northern Cheyenne Traditional Law, dated September 15. President Small hand-delivered this to the superintendent, Michael Werk.

The next day, the B.I.A. recanted again, calling the matter an “intra tribal dispute,” recognizing the new Council of Chiefs and pledging to continue funding and services.

Meanwhile, three Council members and a staff assistant entered the tribal building in the early hours to retrieve documents, including blank tribal checks and to erase computer and travel records. They were apprehended by police and are now under investigation.

In close consultation, Small appointed traditional chiefs to temporarily fill the vacancies so tribal business could continue. On Wednesday, September 18, a brief ceremony was held to swear in the following traditional Chiefs: JC Bement and Darrell Medicine Bull from Ashland District; Hugh Clubfoot from Birney District; Mark Roundstone from Busby District; Leon Seminole, John Three Fingers, and Tom Shoulderblade from Lame Deer District; and Otto Braided Hair from Muddy District. A new Tribal Secretary, Charlene Evans, and Treasurer Terrance Limpy were also appointed.

The new Chiefs’ Council emphasizes their core goal: re-establishing a transparent and accountable tribal government that puts the needs of the People first. “Money is the root of all evil. We are not in it for the money, only to ensure the needy get help,” said Leon Seminole.

This approach echoes the advice of a beloved Northern Cheyenne Tribal Chairman, John Woodenlegs, Sr., grandfather of Gene Small. John once said: “A leader cannot have too much. Instead, we look to our brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren. It’s a hard way to go. We cannot help everybody with charity money, but we must pray with and for them.”

With the exception of the tribal treasurer, the new appointees plan to serve on an interim basis until a new election can be held to fill the eight Council seats—hopefully within three months. They are currently serving with minimal compensation when attending official Council meetings. Others, like John Three Fingers, are refusing any payment, including travel expenses. The Council is also considering how to address the matter of full-time Council pay established under the amended tribal constitution of 1996. (Previously, Council members received modest amounts ranging from $75.00 to $150.00 per meeting.) “But, it doesn’t say how much that will be,” Seminole noted. “It doesn’t have to be $72,000 a year like the ousted Council got. It could be a dollar.”

Though traditional remedies such as banishment from the Reservation and a ban on ever seeking tribal public office or getting a tribal job involving money have been discussed, the new Council is not going that far yet. “We await the results of the police and OIG investigations. If charged, those members have the right to have a lawyer and face trial. If found guilty, they could be sent to prison or face traditional consequences,” they say.

Recently, as recommended by the new Tribal Treasurer, President Small is implementing strict tribal financial measures. For example, all travel and unnecessary expenditures are being curtailed, especially those from the General Fund, until they figure out the bottom line. “We might be broke right now and don’t even know it,” Small commented.

Though the majority of Northern Cheyenne tribal members seem pleased with these developments, others are not. Even former Tribal President John Robinson, a former Chief Judge and closely related to one of the removed Council members, has joined the fray, posting adverse Facebook comments from wherever he now lives (he moved away shortly after being impeached). That also includes the behavior of a removed Council member, who, allowed access to retrieve personal belongings, screamed vile invectives at Vice President Little Mouth. She was peacefully removed.

Many Cheyenne are very saddened that things have come to this state—the traditional value of Respect trampled by many.

The “Woman of Purpose” protesters continue to camp on the Tribal office lawn; having set up two enclosed tents, getting wood stoves and a food supply, and preparing for colder weather. Diane McClean, a former tribal council member and long-time Director of Tribal Human Resources, said, “We will stay here until a new election is held. We started something and will see it through.”

While tribal programs are now up and running, most are located in buildings other than the tribal office—very different from before the conflict began. It is now necessary to ‘sign in,’ with two security personnel present; another security guard sits behind the main reception desk, directing traffic; and President Small’s personal security guard is on hand. In the experience of this writer, that is not threatening but reassuring. The building wing where the Council offices are located is closed, with crime scene tape plastered over four doors.

These are unprecedented days at Northern Cheyenne, yet now peace has been restored and law and order are in place.

NSNT will continue coverage of developments at Northern Cheyenne. This report is based on consultation with the Chiefs and President Small, as their opponents remain unavailable for comment.

Hopefully, Maheo’o (Creator) is watching over the Cheyenne and guiding efforts driven by the Chiefs to be kinder and more accountable to their people.

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

The post Politics settle down at Northern Cheyenne, but still troubling first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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