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MAY 12, 2000

The recent controversy over Clara Nomee began back in early April, when a federal appeals court largely upheld a conviction of theft against Nomee. In 1999, she was convicted of using her influence as tribal chair to buy a piece of tribal land for far less than what it was worth.

Not surprisingly, some tribal members haven't been too happy with Nomee. Five tribal members filed suit against Nomee and a tribal judge temporarily removed her from office and prohibited her from seeking re-election.

Nomee had already filed for re-election at the time. If elected, she will have held the office for six terms, a record on the reservation.

But the ever defiant Nomee ignored the court orders and went back to work anyway. Her lawyer said the tribe would "halt" without her.

Another fight soon began, this time pitting tribal judge against tribal judge. Two different judges seemed to want to handle Nomee's case. The first judge seemed open to the voices anti-Nomee crowd, while the second seemed to be in Nomee's corner.

The five tribal members who filed suit ended up boycotting a hearing presided over by the second. They called the proceedings a "kangaroo court."

When the dust settled, the conflict worked in Nomee's favor and she ended up in the position she's always been in since 1990. In power.

Running against Nomee in tomorrow's election are Clifford Bird In Ground and Albert L. Gros-Ventre. The positions of vice chair, secretary, and vice secretary are also before the voters.

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