Ousted Hopi chairman seeks damages from council

Thursday, April 12, 2007  

Ben Nuvamsa, the ousted chairman of the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, says he will seek damages from the council members who voted to remove him.

Nuvamsa filed suit against the council in tribal court in hopes of getting his job back. He says his constitutional rights were violated by the March 27 vote against him.

"I have worked very hard in the 34 years of my career to build a clean record and a reputation. I am recognized throughout Indian Country by tribal leaders, by congressmen, and by state officials, federal officials. That has all been damaged by this action, " Nuvamsa told The Gallup Independent. "So I have a right to claim damages against the effect on my character, my integrity."

Nuvamsa was in office less than a month. He was removed after some questioned whether he met the tribe's residency requirements for public office.

Get the Story:
Nuvamsa says Hopi election is a national issue (The Gallup Independent 4/11)

Relevant Links:
Hopi Tribe - http://www.hopi.nsn.us

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