The following story was written and reported by Brandon Ecoffey, Native Sun News Staff Writer. All content © Native Sun News.

James ‘Toby’ Big Boy

Francis Pumpkin Seed

OST election challenge dismissed
By Brandon Ecoffey
Native Sun News Staff Writer

PINE RIDGE — Oglala Sioux Tribe Chief Judge Pat Lee dismissed a suit filed by the OST Law and Order Committee and outgoing tribal council member James “Toby” Big Boy, who is also the Law and Order Committee chairman, on Nov. 30.

The suit alleged that there had been several violations of the tribe’s election code, requesting the court to throw out both the primary and general election results and to establish district boundaries within 60 days, conduct a census within 60 days, hold new primary and general elections and declare the OST Election Code unconstitutional.

The suit was dismissed over procedural grounds for the lower court in which the suit was filed because that court did not have the jurisdiction to hear challenges to the tribe’s election.

Francis Pumpkin Seed, chairman of the OST Election Commission, hopes that the dismissal will allow for a smooth transition for the incoming tribal council and newly elected president, Bryan Brewer.

“I am happy that the suit was thrown out, and we look forward to moving past this now,” said Pumpkin Seed.

(Contact Brandon Ecoffey at staffwriter2@nsweekly.com)