Judge tells rival leaders of Lower Brule Sioux Tribe to hold meeting

Friday, February 13, 2015  

A view of the Narrows Interpretive Area Trail on the reservation. Photo fromLower Brule Sioux Tribe

Feuding leaders of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota must hold a council meeting next month, a tribal judge ruled on Thursday.

Chairman Michael Jandreau, who has led the tribe for 36 years, has been at odds with three council members who are seeking more transparency. They have been unable to hold an official meeting due to their disagreements.

'The tribe is being harmed by all this," Judge B.J. Jones said at a hearing yesterday, The Mitchell Daily Republic reported. "You have a constitutional duty to govern your people."

Jones said any council members who fail to attend the March 3 meeting will be held in contempt of court.

Get the Story:
Judge orders Lower Brule Sioux tribal council must meet (The Mitchell Daily Republic 2/13)
Lower Brule Tribal Leaders Face-Off In Court (South Dakota Public Radio 2/13)

Human Rights Watch Report:
Secret and Unaccountable: The Tribal Council at Brule and Its Impact on Human Rights (January 2015)

Native Sun News: Chair of Lower Brule Sioux Tribe blasts report (01/27)
IRS placed $664K in tax liens on leader of Lower Brule Sioux Tribe (01/23)
Members of Lower Brule Sioux Tribe try to oust longtime leader (1/21)
Lawmakers concerned about Lower Brule Sioux Tribe allegations (1/19)
Editorial: Lower Brule Sioux Tribe should be open about funds (1/15)
Leader of Lower Brule Sioux Tribe blasts report as 'baseless' (1/13)
Group accuses Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of widespread corruption (1/12)