Rival leaders of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma have asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs for help but the agency reportedly said it won't be getting involved.

Chairwoman Brenda Shemayme Edwards won re-election in August. A recall effort began just 16 days into her second term and her opponents say she was removed from office last month.

Vice Chairman Phillip Smith now claims he's in charge. But Edwards is holding onto power, saying the recall meeting was illegal.

For now, Smith maintains control of the tribal complex. Edwards, however, is in charge of the tribe's finances and its web site.

Get the Story:
In Caddo Tribe, one faction controls complex, one controls Web presence (The Lawton Constitution 10/9)
Caddo Tribe experiencing leadership dispute (The Native American Times 10/6)
Caddo chair: Tribe is 'in limbo' (The Lawton Constitution 10/5)
Turmoil brewing in tiny Oklahoma Indian tribe (The Oklahoman 10/5)

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Chairwoman of Caddo Nation challenges removal from office (10/3)