For the second time in two years, Cecilia Fire Thunder has been suspended from her job as president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

Last year, Fire Thunder was suspended and threatened with impeachment. After being out of office for 68 days, she was reinstated when the charges were dismissed.

Her job is on the line again after going public with a plan to open a women's clinic on the Pine Ridge Reservation. She made national headlines, but the tribal council outlawed abortions, suspended her and told her not to speak to the media.

Some hope the latest controversy will lead to Fire Thunder's impeachment. "Abortion is what got this ball rolling, and she used the media," council member Will Peters told The Rapid City Journal.

Supporters say Fire Thunder, the first woman president of the tribe, has accomplished a lot in her short time in office. "She�s a compassionate and strong leader, and I think some people have a problem with that," said Robert Grey Eagle, an attorney who works for the tribe.

A hearing to discuss impeachment has not been set.

Get the Story:
Abortion-clinic proposal sparks hardball politics on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (The Rapid City Journal 6/14)

Relevant Links:
Oglala Sioux Tribe - http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe

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