Judge won't decide on leadership dispute within Cayuga Nation

Tuesday, May 20, 2014  

A judge in New York dismissed a lawsuit filed by the disputed leader of the Cayuga Nation.

Clint Halftown wanted to block his rivals, known as the Unity Council, from interfering with the tribe's businesses. But Judge Dennis Bender said he lacked jurisdiction to determine who is in charge.

Halftown has been the tribe's federally recognized representative for more than a decade. The Unity Council, however, claims he has been removed from power.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs at one point recognized the Unity Council as the legitimate tribal governing body. But the Interior Board of Indian Appeals said the agency overstepped its bounds.

Get the Story:
Lawsuit dismissed in Cayuga Nation leadership dispute (The Auburn Citizen 5/20)
Court dismisses Halftown complaint (The Finger Lake Times 5/20)

Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decision:
Cayuga Indian Nation of New York, Clint Halftown, Tim Twoguns, and Gary Wheeler v. Eastern Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs (January 16, 2014)

Five arrested as power debate continues within Cayuga Nation (5/14)
WRVO: Cayuga Nation stuck in decade-long leadership dispute (05/06)
Cayuga Nation businesses remain closed amid leadership feud (5/1)
Cayuga Nation shuts down businesses amid leadership dispute (4/29)