The Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa violated the due process rights of a former council member, the tribe's appellate court judge ruled earlier this month.

Chief Justice Henry M. Buffalo said the tribe violated Calvin Johnson Sr.'s rights by revoking his $2,000 monthly per capita payment and by fining him $1,000 a day for allegedly refusing to hand over certain documents. Buffalo said the tribe must rehear Johnson's case, which was brought before the tribal council.

Buffalo was a former council member who was ousted when a new group of leaders took over the tribe. The new group, headed by Homer Bear Jr., was eventually recognized as the legitimate tribal government.

Get the Story:
Meskwaki tribal court rules in favor of ousted council member (AP 2/25)

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