Chippewa Cree Tribe bars ousted leader from running again

Friday, May 10, 2013  

The Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana won't let former chairman Ken Blatt St. Marks try to regain his old job.

St. Marks filed as a candidate in a special election for the chairman's post. But since he was removed from office for "neglect of duty and gross misconduct" in March, he won't be allowed to run again.

“They’re running scared, that’s what it’s about,” St. Marks told The Havre Daily News in response. “This council does not want me there, because I’m there looking, and people are going to do things right.”

St. Marks said he was removed from office because he he has encouraged federal agencies to investigate corruption on the reservation. Five people have been indicted in connection with theft of tribal funds.

Get the Story:
Election board kills St. Marks run for Rocky Boy chair (The Havre Daily News 5/10)

Chippewa Cree Tribe suspends two following theft indictment (5/9)
Five indicted over theft of money from Chippewa Cree Tribe (5/7)
Chippewa Cree Tribe under scrutiny for $361M pipeline project (04/22)
Chippewa Cree Tribe plans for special election for chairman (03/28)
Chippewa Cree Tribe removes leader after he refuses hearing (3/26)
Chippewa Cree Tribe meets to consider future of chairman (3/25)
Chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe charged with trespassing (3/21)
Chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe arrested in ongoing dispute (3/20)
Chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe disputes removal from post (3/19)