Rival factions of Caddo Nation fighting for control of tribal matters

Monday, March 31, 2014  

Two factions of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma remain at odds and are each claiming to be in control of the tribe's affairs.

Brenda Shemayme Edwards won re-election as chair last August. Opponents say she was removed from office but she continues to assert her legitimacy.

Anthony Cotter, meanwhile, claims to be in charge. He's working out of the tribal complex, The Native American Times reported.

Cotter and his faction secured a temporary injunction against Edwards in the Court of Indian Offenses. She is currently barred from accessing tribal funds, the Times reported.

Edwards, however, claims the court lacks authority over the tribe and has asked a federal judge to intervene. Briefing continues in that case, Caddo Nation v. Court of Indian Offenses for the Anadarko Agency.

Get the Story:
Temporary injunction against Caddo leader remains in place (The Native American Times 3/31)
Caddo leadership dispute finally gets day in court (The Native American Times 3/25)

Factions of Caddo Nation ask BIA for help in leadership fight (10/9)
Chairwoman of Caddo Nation challenges removal from office (10/3)