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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2002

A regional Bureau of Indian Affairs official in Montana on Thursday admitted he didn't properly inform Chippewa-Cree Nation tribal members of a vote on tribal enrollment.

BIA field representative James Montes said he didn't mail out notices to tribal members. But he said he posted notices and that residents of the Rocky Boy's Reservation were well aware of the March 6 election although only 174 voted, The Great Falls Tribune reported.

The election, overseen by the BIA, was held at the request the tribal council to consider various amendments to the tribal constitution, including on one dual enrolled members. Many have ties to First Nations in Canada and would be asked to limit their citizenship.

But an attorney for the council said that was not the intent. Tribal members disagree and held a protest yesterday on the reservation.

Get the Story:
BIA election leads to protest (AP 4/12)
Chippewa Cree tribal members protest BIA election (The Great Falls Tribune 4/12)