Northern Cheyenne Tribal government turmoil, power struggles, and the fight for accountability

LAMEDEER, Mont. – “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” — Buckminster Fuller

As first reported by Native Sun News Today, recent politics at Northern Cheyenne have been particularly interesting, capturing the attention of many readers. Revolutions never go smoothly or according to plan. Instead, they seem to take on a life of their own. That is currently happening at Northern Cheyenne.

As of Wednesday, October 8, four Northern Cheyenne found themselves wearing orange—handcuffed and in jail at Hardin, Mont.—facing a $5,000 bond. This is because there is no BIA jail at Northern Cheyenne.

How could this have happened? Those individuals, through their own choices and actions, caused it. They were elected under the provisions of the IRA government constitution in November 2024 to serve as Tribal Council members. On October 8, their minor children—reportedly aged 13—were also apprehended by law enforcement and turned over to social services.

These elected officials lost the confidence of the people but continue to cause mischief.

The October 8 incident occurred because that group of previously elected officials decided to go back to work. The Traditional Tribal Chiefs, who have overtaken that role, called law enforcement against them.

Things went from crazy to crazier.

The past few months, beginning in August, have been chaotic for the Northern Cheyenne tribal government and citizens on the reservation as they grapple with a significant problem—trying to self-govern in a traditional manner—a movement spurred by Gene Small, our current Tribal President.

As promised, he led an investigation into approximately $90 million in COVID-related funding.

New developments seem to occur daily, even hourly, making it difficult to keep up or fully understand what is happening. Part of the challenge is the lack of regular news sources, relying instead on Facebook (which must be taken with a grain of salt), Native Sun News Today, and occasional radio or television snippets.

Though tribal citizens have been frustrated with the IRA system of government since its inception, we largely felt we were ‘stuck’ with it. The Tribal Constitution, first adopted in 1936 under the Indian Reorganization Act, has been amended twice (in 1960 and 1996) in hopes of creating a more successful and accountable government. Neither amendment achieved that goal. Now, there is a growing consensus that a new constitution and form of government, rooted in Cheyenne values, are needed—along with mechanisms to ensure elected officials adhere to it.

The root of the current problem lies in money—around $90 million in COVID-related funds. Many question how that money was used, suspecting some misuse. Tribal President Gene Small campaigned on accountability and called for a forensic audit of all tribal funds. Soon after his election in November 2024, Councilman Davie moved for a forensic audit covering the past five years, which was initially approved by the Tribal Council. As results began pouring in, several council members became concerned, especially when the Office of Inspector General stepped in. However, there is broad community support for such an audit.

“I stand with the people,” Small stated in a recent public address. “You guys put me in here. You guys should be the ones to take me out if you disagree. I am for this.”

The infighting that has plagued every Tribal Administration quickly ensued, with the Tribal Council attempting to remove Small as President. Over the past 20 years, more than a dozen Northern Cheyenne Tribal Presidents have been removed—some for valid reasons and others for causes the community does not fully understand. In this case, the Council did not cite the audit but invoked the Separation of Powers clause, claiming Small violated it by signing the Chief Judge’s leave slip and meddling in tribal court personnel matters.

During a Council meeting in August, when a resolution for his removal was presented, violence erupted inside the chambers— even involving some Tribal Council members. One young member, referred to here as a “young dandy,” reportedly called people on. Several BIA police and federal officers, present due to concerns about violence, arrested participants. Such chaos had never before occurred at Northern Cheyenne.

Since then, matters have become even more confusing. The Traditional Chiefs, with Small’s approval, ousted the elected Council and one tribal employee who had assisted the previous Council. The Chiefs then appointed eight new Tribal Council members.

The old Council continues to meet in secret, having taken travel records and even some blank tribal checks. The BIA hesitated multiple times but appears to have recognized the Chiefs, who are largely serving without compensation while trying to reorganize.

A protest camp remains outside the Tribal Building. Security has increased. Everyone in key positions has hired lawyers—including President Small, the Chiefs, and the old Council. The Tribal office closed for a week, and several short-notice “administrative leave” days were granted.

Due to this turmoil, Interstate Bank closed the tribal checking accounts down, unsure of who the authorized check signers are. As of the last update, President Small had successfully obtained approval from officials at the Department of the Interior to reopen the accounts in the near future. Meanwhile, tribal programs are awaiting funds to continue operations, and many people who rely on tribal services are left in limbo.

Adding to the confusion, the Chiefs—who have only agreed to serve temporarily— have called a special election to fill the seats of the eight ousted Council members. Two of the previous members were allowed to remain in office. However, the Chiefs decided to bypass the usual constitutional procedures for primaries and general elections, opting instead for a single election to be held soon, pending BIA approval.

“These guys are doing what they decide to do,” Small confided.

In addition, the Chiefs have publicly declared that women cannot stand for tribal office because it is not traditional. Although this has not been formalized in writing— only conveyed through a Facebook post—it has caused deep unrest among women on the reservation. Traditionally, women were not Chiefs or leaders; however, that era is long past. It is 2025. Women still serve as the keepers of the home—they own the tipis, and men are there by invitation, able to enjoy meals and find rest.

Across America, women have fought for years to achieve suffrage rights, including the right to vote and hold political office. The question remains: Do Northern Cheyenne women need to fight an internal battle to preserve their civil rights within their own Tribe? A well-known Northern Cheyenne saying echoes: “It will not be over until the hearts of the women are laying on the ground.” Currently, women’s hearts are not on the ground; they are busy feeding families and providing rest. Women are the backbone of this Tribe.

It will be interesting to see how this situation develops. Hopefully, small issues— such as ensuring elderly meals, holding Head Start classes, securing Medicare reimbursements, and providing assistance to the most vulnerable—will not fall through the cracks while the Chiefs focus on larger political matters. Sadly, family rifts are forming and deepening due to these upheavals. It is hoped that cultural and spiritual traditions will help heal these divisions.

In closing, I want to remind readers that the vast majority of Northern Cheyenne are responsible, thoughtful, and kind people. However, some have become entangled in this civil conflict, which seems to be taking on a life of its own.

(Contact Clara Caufield at acheyennereview@gmail.com)

The post Northern Cheyenne Tribal government turmoil, power struggles, and the fight for accountability first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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