Members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe are debating a banishment policy to prevent violent crimes on the reservation.

Chairman George Goggleye Jr. supports banishment. But when he asked leaders on the reservation what they think, the Indian Councils recommended against such a policy.

Secretary-Treasurer Archie LaRose opposes banishment. He and others say the tool could be used as a weapon to punish people who don't agree with the tribal leadership.

The debate comes amid the release of a tribal member from prison. Wakinyan McArthur, 27, has a criminal record and is said to one of the main leaders of the Native Mob gang. His probation prohibits him from going to the reservation.

Get the Story:
Leech Lake Band split on revival of banishment (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/23)
pwlat

Relevant Links:
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe - http://www.llojibwe.com

Related Stories:
Leech Lake community battles wave of violence (12/05)
Leech Lake residents worried about violence (11/16)
Leech Lake chairman declares war on 'thugs' (11/14)
Another homicide on Leech Lake Reservation (11/10)
Teen shot to death on Leech Lake Reservation (10/24)
Leech Lake man charged with murder in fight over dog (09/28)
Leech Lake Reservation man allegedly killed over dog (09/26)
Three charged in Indian gang-related shootings (12/01)
Shootings at Indian housing complex tied to gangs (11/30)
Two men killed at Indian housing complex (11/29)
Guilty plea in Red Lake Reservation drive-bys (05/14)
Juvenile allegedly pulled trigger in drive-bys (01/21)
Arrests made in Red Lake Reservation drive-bys (1/20)
Drug problem said to be behind reservation drive-bys (1/15)
Drive-by shootings targed Red Lake law enforcement (1/14)
Gangs infiltrate Minn. reservations (10/14)