St. Croix Band debate over marijuana leads to restraining order

Monday, April 20, 2015  

A leader of the St. Croix Band of Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin has secured a restraining order against a fellow council member after a debate about marijuana and financial management got out of hand.

Aimee Awonohopay got into an argument with Elmer "Jay" Emery during a council meeting. She claims Emery got so angry that he put his hands on her.

"I am very worried not only for my safety, but also of our employees and tribal members after this incident," Awonohopay said in a press release that was posted on Facebook.

Awonohopay said the debate arose after she spoke out against legalizing marijuana on the reservation. She also was questioning the disbursement of travel funds.

"I represent part of our tribal population whom will no longer tolerate wasteful spending and unsuccessful business ventures," Awonohopay said.

Awonohopay's restraining order against Jay was granted on April 9. She is due back in court for a hearing this afternoon.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. But a new Department of Justice policy could open the door to tribes that want to legalize the drug.

The St. Croix Band has been discussing the issue but hasn't made any announcements about it. Awonohopay attended a meeting in California late last month to learn more about marijuana in Indian Country.

Get the Story:
Restraining order levied against council member (Northland's News Center 4/17)

Relevant Documents:
Department of Justice Policy Statement Regarding Marijuana Issues in Indian Country (October 2014)

Lakota Country Times: Oglala Sioux district endorses marijuana (4/15)
Warm Springs Tribes consider marijuana as economic opportunity (04/09)
Walt Lamar: Tribes weigh big issues with marijuana cultivation (04/06)
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Bill for tribal marijuana compacts up for hearing in Washington (3/25)
Opinion: Huge tax advantages for marijuana in Indian Country (3/23)
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Tribal Hemp and Cannabis Summit set for April 23 in New Mexico (3/12)
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Opinion: High stakes in debate for marijuana in Indian Country (3/11)
Jacqueline Keeler: Tribes showing interest in growing marijuana (3/10)
Interview: Allyson Doctor on National Indian Cannabis Coalition (3/10)
Workshop on tribal marijuana to be held in California next month (3/9)
Tribes in Wisconsin discuss marijuana with federal prosecutors (3/9)
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Opinion: Tribes get ready to discuss marijuana in Indian Country (2/25)
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Lummi Nation leader announces meeting to discuss marijuana (2/18)
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Opinion: Vast opportunities for tribes and marijuana industry (2/16)
Evictions linked to Pinoleville Pomo Nation's marijuana project (2/13)
Washington bill authorizes tribal-state marijuana agreements (2/12)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation puts marijuana farm on temporary hold (2/11)
Brian Pierson: State law still matters as tribes pursue marijuana (2/11)
Harlan McKosato: Marijuana debate heats up in Indian Country (2/10)
Alfred Walking Bull: Move slowly on marijuana in Indian Country (2/9)
Red Lake Nation to hold community meetings on legal marijuana (2/9)
Chairman of Havasupai Tribe welcomes marijuana opportunity (2/5)
Company claims major interest in marijuana in Indian Country (2/3)
Quapaw Tribe interested in cultivating marijuana for medical uses (1/30)
Seneca Nation doesn't foresee taking action on legal marijuana (1/29)
First-ever conference to focus on marijuana in Indian Country (1/27)
Fort Peck Tribes moving towards full legalization of marijuana (1/27)
Fort Peck Tribes approve marijuana use for medicinal purposes (1/19)
MPR: Red Lake Nation takes a small step towards legal marijuana (1/16)
Red Lake Nation backs study on medicinal marijuana and hemp (1/15)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation to use marijuana revenue for programs (1/15)
Column: New Mexico should strike marijuana deals with tribes (1/13)
Native Sun News: Tribal members debate legalization of 'peji' (1/12)
Pinoleville Pomo Nation confirms deal for legal marijuana farm (1/9)
Speculation grows about tribal marijuana operation in California (1/8)
Company set to announce tribal marijuana operation in California (1/7)
Column: Legal marijuana could bring dramatic changes for tribes (1/5)
Editorial: Legal marijuana is the last thing Indian Country needs (12/24)
Some South Dakota tribes said to be interested in legal marijuana (12/22)
Editorial: Showing caution for marijuana sales in Indian Country (12/18)
Column: No rush on marijuana sales at Eastern Cherokee casino (12/17)
Opinion: DOJ marijuana policy in Indian Country raises questions (12/16) DOJ announces new policy affecting marijuana in Indian Country (12/11)