Flooding hit the village of Newtok once again in 2005. Photo by Stanley Tom via Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development

The leaders of the Alaska Native village of Newtok plan to ask the state troopers to remove their rivals from tribal headquarters.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has recognized a new council but the old leaders refuse to vacate the office. The Interior Board of Indian Appeals. and a federal judge also have sided with the new council.

Judge Ralph R. Beistline has now authorized state officers to assist with the removal. "The Alaska State Troopers may use any reasonable force deemed necessary by them to accomplish these acts," a decision filed on Tuesday reads.

About 215 people live in the village, according to Calista Corporation.

Get the Story:
Alaska Police Can Force Out Village Leaders Who Won't Leave (AP 1/12)

Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decision:
Newtok Traditional Council v. Acting Alaska Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs (August 6, 2015)

Government Accountability Office Report:
Alaska Native Villages: Most Are Affected by Flooding and Erosion, but Few Qualify for Federal Assistance. GAO-04-142 | Highlights

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