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Native America Calling: Tribal politics, land protections and the government shutdown
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
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News briefs: Tribal government disputes, land protection, government shutdown emergency
A struggle over who is running the government of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe has resulted in arrests of government officials, frozen bank accounts and even an emergency action by traditional leaders to ban women from voting.

The dispute within the Montana-based tribe started after newly elected President Gene Small authorized a forensic financial audit. He wanted to find out how federal COVID-19 funds were being spent.

Montana Free Press: Northern Cheyenne Tribe in leadership crisis
Montana Free Press: Northern Cheyenne Tribe in leadership crisis

Who is in charge of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe? A dispute has led to arrests of council members.
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Meanwhile, another long-standing divide is coming to a head on the Navajo Nation. President Buu Nygren is once again stating he will not resign his position as the leader of one of the two largest tribes in the United States.

Tune in to talk with reporters covering these two internal government disputes and take a look at some other notable issues and events.

Buu Nygren
Buu Nygren, center, serves as President of the Navajo Nation. Photo: Office of Navajo Nation President and Vice President

Guests on Native America Calling
Krista Allen (Diné), editor of the Navajo Times, the official newspaper of the Navajo Nation

Thomas Tortez (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians), former chairman of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians in California

Brad Lopes (Aquinnah Wampanoag), program manager for the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative and former classroom teacher in Massachusetts

Nora Mabie, Indigenous affairs reporter with Montana Free Press

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