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FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2002

Two rival factions of the Seminole Nation are asserting power over the Oklahoma tribe.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs recognizes Jerry Haney as the official leader. Tribal members on the other hand elected Ken Chambers.

Acting on the BIA recognition, a Court of Federal Regulations judge has ordered Chambers and his entire administration out of office. Chambers and supporters are holed up in tribal headquarters in Wewoka while Haney has set up his own office.

An appeal of the CFR decision was heard by telephone conference last night. No decision was immediately announced.

Two federal courts heard discussion on the dispute, with both declining to advance the state of affairs beyond the existing situation, which the Chambers administration terms as chaos. Tribal businesses have been shut down and as many at 600 jobs are suspended.

The BIA says federal funds to tribal programs are still flowing.

Get the Story:
Seminole Nation standoff continues third day (The Shawnee News-Star 5/10)
Washington judge won't intervene with Seminoles (The Daily Oklahoman 5/10)

Relevant Links:
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma - http://www.cowboy.net/native/seminole

Related Stories:
Haney opponents still locked in (5/9)
Haney opponents locked in (5/8)
Seminole's Chief Haney restored to power (5/7)
Black Seminole appeal planned (5/1)
Black Seminoles dealt setback (4/30)
Opinion: Seminole Nation always black (4/22)
A fight over funds, race (4/4)
Seminole Head Start funds OKed (2/6)
Seminole changes sought again (1/16)
Ousted Seminole leader sues tribe, BIA (12/14)
Black Seminole issue still divisive (10/29)
Suspended Seminole Chief to sue (6/27)
Seminole Chief Haney suspended (6/26)
Race part of Seminole dispute (1/29)
Seminole voters approve changes (7/7)
Seminole vote may affect Freedmen (7/7)