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Native Sun News: Northern Cheyenne activists hanging tough

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Jennifer Redfox Spang took part in a protest camp outside the offices of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Lame Deer, Montana, in September 2015. This particular camp has vacated the premises but a second one remains on site. Photo by A Cheyenne Voice

Northern Cheyenne campers hang tough
By Clara Caufield
Native Sun News Correspondent

LAME DEER, Mont. –– Many folks on the Northern Cheyenne reservation, and indeed Indian Country, are wondering about the status of the grassroots tribal members who have been faithfully camping in front of the Northern Cheyenne tribal office in Lame Deer going on two months. They suggest it is time to revisit the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) form of tribal government. But right now that camp is gone.

According to members of that group, including Kristina Red Wing, another youthful organizer, the campers have not given up, but have encountered some road blocks and temporary setbacks. Another camp, located behind the tribal office, spearheaded by tribal member Pauline High Wolf, committed to the same agenda, continues strong.

“We have had some response to our petitions sent to the Department of Interior,” High Wolf recently reported. “And we are not going to quit.”

Jennifer Redfox Spang, a linchpin in another group of campers located in front of the tribal office has taken a break due to health problems of her father Ralph Redfox, currently living in Idaho. She has traveled there to assist with his health care. At last report, Jennifer intends to resume camping/activism after that family matter is resolved.

Northern Cheyenne activists Pauline High Wolf and her son, Elijah Wallowing, continue to lead a a protest camp at tribal headquarters in Lame Deer, Montana. Photo courtesy A Cheyenne Voice

Second, a strong wind storm recently brought havoc to the tent encampment, literally blowing the shelters away and destroying them. That problem, along with colder weather is being addressed as campers work on getting an RV in place, making colder weather more tolerable.

“All of our tents, including a large “fly” were ripped up and torn, literally blown away,” said Red Wing. “But this is just a temporary set-back.”

The grassroots leaders, some calling themselves activists, question expenditure of tribal funds, focusing on the recent tribal settlement with the St. Labre Mission, a primary concern cutting across the reservation community. They have obtained some documentation about tribal finances, but in spite of tribal laws requiring full financial disclosure, have been denied access to other critical tribal budget information.

And, thus far, there has been no direct dialogue between the campers and the Tribal Council. However, Tribal President Llevando “Cowboy” Fisher and Vice-President, Winfield Russell, have engaged in discussions with the campers.

Amanda White Shirt and Stella Killsontop at a protest camp on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in August 2015. Photo courtesy A Cheyenne Voice

Indicating the division between the Tribal Council and the general tribal membership, on Thursday, Oct. 22, the Tribal Council and Administration traveled to Billings to hold a budget session addressing presumed short falls, a move questioned by many tribal members.

“Why do we have a tribal office and tribal chambers if they cannot hold meeting here?” Teddy McMakin, former Elder Commission chair asked.

She has been lobbying the council for a mobile handicapped ramp (estimated at $900) often needed by people on the reservation experiencing surgeries or health problems.

“Maybe they want to hold secret meetings and get away from us. If one of them would take one less trip, they could pay for that,” she noted.

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“We do not intend to give up on obtaining information about tribal finances, even if it requires legal action” said Tim Lamewoman, legal advocate who also holds the position of nonpaid General District Chairman, a position recognized in the tribal constitution,

“The fires and community voices demanding change and accountability in our tribal government have been lit. Each tribal official swore to uphold the constitution and bylaws, including public review of tribal budget decisions and information” he remarked. “But, they have largely failed to do that. We will not easily be detoured. We will hold them accountable. They must acknowledge their constitutional duties. That is why the Chiefs and military societies are actively working on this effort, supporting the downtrodden, the majority of the Suhtai/Tsistsas (Northern Cheyenne). who live on the reservation.”

The campers have held a series of meetings in several of the reservation districts, he said, with very good turnouts in the Ashland, Birney and Lame Deer areas, similar effort to be conducted in other districts.

“We are inviting concerned tribal members to join in a discussion of how we can improve tribal government. We urge tribal members to share ideas," Lamewoman said. "Change comes slowly, but our people can come up with the solutions.”

A larger community based meeting is planned in early November. Judge Rudy James, a traditional Alaskan leader, who has successfully worked with many traditional communities on similar concerns, will be a keynote speaker. James has specifically asked to meet with tribal elders to discuss concerns and give guidance on how the Northern Cheyenne government can become more responsive to the community.

“Elders have the wisdom and answers,” he suggests. James has been recognized by the United Nations for his work on indigenous rights, but still prefers to work “on the ground” with grassroots people.

“We are not giving up,” Lamewoman stressed. “The Council might think they can freeze us out, but that is not going to happen. They have the money, but we have the will power and the interests of our long-suffering people at heart.”

(Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com)