{"id":39975,"date":"2026-04-03T11:58:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T16:58:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/political-chaos-still-reigns-at-northern-cheyenne\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T11:59:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T16:59:25","slug":"political-chaos-still-reigns-at-northern-cheyenne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/political-chaos-still-reigns-at-northern-cheyenne\/","title":{"rendered":"Political chaos still reigns at Northern Cheyenne"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Northern<\/a><\/p>\n

Northern Cheyenne Tribal Headquarters,<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

LAME DEER, Mont. \u2014 At the time this article is penned about the tribal political situation on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, the only thing that can be shared with certainty is that chaos and confusion continue to reign, a political experiment that has gone seriously awry. On the other hand, the political dissension reflects what is happening at the national level.<\/p>\n

At the heart of the Northern Cheyenne matter is a forensic audit urged by President Gene Small regarding the expenditure of some ninety million dollars in federal COVID related funds, a campaign promise made and fulfilled.<\/p>\n

Since then, the Northern Cheyenne political arena has been beset by unprecedented developments, which this writer, an enrolled Northern Cheyenne, attempts to chronicle. It is very challenging to obtain reliable information. Other than President Small\u2019s Facebook page, comments from other Facebook users (many of whom choose to remain anonymous), and the \u201cmoccasin telegraph\u201d of rumor and gossip, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe does not have an organized public information system. This report attempts to summarize these unconventional developments from the point of view of an enrolled member, one of many who are confused about the situation. The dynamics seem to be driven by a relatively small group of tribal political activists.<\/p>\n

Recently, President Small shared a few thoughts. \u201cI\u2019m not really sure what the answers are,\u201d he said. \u201cEveryone is fighting, even the Chiefs. Maybe when the audit results come out, things will settle down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vernon Small, advisor to President Small, observed that this same type of political dilemma is affecting other tribes as well, including in North Dakota and Canada, where he said things are \u201creally crazy. Nobody seems to have the answer. All we know is that the Indian Reorganization system of government is not working for many tribes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The audit is completed, President Small revealed, and during the first week of April tribal officials will meet with the auditors and federal investigators to determine the next steps. It is highly probable, Small said, that federal charges could be forthcoming regarding the use of COVID related funds.<\/p>\n

First, in late summer 2025, citing traditional law, the Traditional Chiefs, backed by Small, forcibly removed eight of ten duly IRA elected Tribal Council members, the Tribal Treasurer, the Secretary, and one tribal employee suspected of assisting that group, which has since come to be called the \u201cGang of Eight.\u201d Two Council members who had supported the audit and President Small were allowed to remain in office.<\/p>\n

After waffling several times, the BIA, directed by the Department of the Interior, determined this was an \u201cinternal tribal affair\u201d and bowed out of the picture, except on several occasions when BIA Police were sent to quell threats of violence and maintain the peace.<\/p>\n

Following that, the Traditional Chiefs took office for a short time before calling for a special election to replace the eight ousted Council members. That election, which barred women from seeking office, was held in the fall of 2025. These procedures are not referenced in the tribal IRA constitution, but the BIA let the situation slide.<\/p>\n

After the new Council members served for several months, dissension broke out within their ranks. A group of four Council members reportedly began to boycott Council sessions when a vote was not going their way, on numerous occasions leaving meetings to break the quorum necessary to conduct business.<\/p>\n

The Traditional Chiefs, also no longer of one mindset, stepped in again. This time they declared the removal of four Council members: Roundstone (Busby District), Spotted Elk (Lame Deer District), Davies (Busby District), and Red Hat (Lame Deer District). That left the Tribal Council in questionable status according to the IRA constitution, which requires nine members to conduct business. Apparently, the tribal constitution has come to be completely disregarded.<\/p>\n

The next move has been equally startling. The Chiefs have now demanded the ouster of President Small, imposing a five-day deadline for him to voluntarily vacate his position and leave the tribal building. That day came on March 31, but Small was out of town, and Vice President Little Mouth declared administrative leave for much of Thursday and Friday. Monday was also a scheduled tribal holiday. On the heels of that, a threat upon the President\u2019s life was posted on Facebook, not attributable to any one person. BIA Police and federal officers were summoned to the Tribal Office as crowds gathered, the potential for conflict, even violence, running very high.<\/p>\n

Small, who has returned to the office, vows not to step down. After meeting with auditors, he has promised to share the results with the tribal community and to personally meet with tribal membership. \u201cIf they want me out, it\u2019s up to the membership,\u201d he commented, essentially questioning the authority of the Traditional Chiefs. As of press time (Tuesday), it was not possible to get information about any further developments.<\/p>\n

Things are in a state of suspension. The primary question is: Who are the Chiefs directing the traffic? There is no clear consensus about that. Therein may lie the problem. Another partial answer may be for the Tribe to develop an effective public information system so the people can be accurately informed.<\/p>\n

(Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennereview@gmail.com)<\/span><\/p>\n

The post Political chaos still reigns at Northern Cheyenne<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Northern Cheyenne Tribal Headquarters, LAME DEER, Mont. \u2014 At the time this article is penned about the tribal political situation on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, the only thing that can be shared with certainty is that chaos and confusion continue to reign, a political experiment that has gone seriously awry. <\/p>\n

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Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> April 3, 2026<\/p>\n

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