The leader of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is facing removal, a year after narrowly surviving an ouster attempt.

Lee Sprague, the ogema of the tribe, said he will defend himself from charges of financial mismanagement. He said the removal attempt was based purely on politics.

The tribal council has repeatedly accused Sprague of mismanaging the tribe. The complaint centers on financial audits deemed to be inaccurate and problems with Indian Health Service contracts and grants.

The removal hearing will take place February 2.

Get the Story:
Ottawa tribal leader again fights to keep job (AP 1/25)
Council again seeks removal of Little River Band leader (AP 1/24)

Relevant Documents:
Constitution of the Little River Band of Indians

Relevant Links:
Little River Band of Ottawa Indians - http://www.lrboi.com

Related Stories:
Former Little River Band official sentenced to prison (01/11)
Little River Band chairman survives ouster attempt (04/29)
Little River Band meets to decide fate of leader (4/28)