Northern Cheyenne request Congressional investigation into B.I.A. Law Enforcement

LAME DEER, Mont. – Last week Native Sun News Today printed a story “Lawlessness and Violence at Northern Cheyenne Blamed on Inadequate B.I.A. Law Enforcement” which quickly made its way through cyberspace. Just one day later, July 20, 2020, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe formally, by letter contacted members of the Montana Congressional delegation, requesting a Congressional investigation into the “crises in B.I.A. Law Enforcement at Northern Cheyenne and throughout Indian Country.”

The letter has also been posted on the Tribal website and forwarded by email to many tribal members, this reporter included. Based on email comments, many tribal and community members are favorable about the Tribe’s action.  “I’m extremely glad they are following up,” said Jason Small, Northern Cheyenne, Montana State Senator, Chair of the State Tribal Relations Committee and a life-long reservation resident.”

The four-page missive begins with a heartfelt plea from the Tribal President: “In strongest possible terms, I plead for your help to address a public safety crises on our reservation which is the direct result of years of inexcusable neglect by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. B.I.A is solely responsible for law enforcement at Northern Cheyenne…Our community is suffering the tragic consequences of B.I.A.’s reckless disregard for our safety, including facilities, sexual and physical violence and widespread drug and alcohol abuse. These problems exist on other reservations where BIA is in charge of law enforcement.”

After citing the statutory basis for BIA Law Enforcement, the letter makes several critical allegations:

• BIA’s absence has led to heightened crime and vigilantism, including four recent deaths, foul play suspected
• 20% of necessary law enforcement staff has been provided (a current staff of 2-5 while Northern Cheyenne is budgeted for 19)
• No local jails, Hardin Jail not the answer
• No information sharing with Tribe or victims

“Enough is enough,” the letter concludes. “With your assistance we have tried to address BIA’s reckless disregard, but that has not worked…top officials at the BIA have ignored our concerns and nothing has been done.”

The Tribal request asks that the immediate needs at Northern Cheyenne (full law enforcement staffing, re-opening the Lame Deer Jail, fully supporting federal and tribal criminal investigations and freely sharing criminal law enforcement with the Tribe) be addressed.

In conclusion, the letter requests that the Senate Indian Affairs Committee conduct a field hearing in Lame Deer to investigate the major crimes problem across Indian Country and where the BIA is planning infrastructure changes without tribal consultation. Finally, the Tribe recommends a referral to the Office of the Inspector General.

 

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

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