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TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2003

The Bureau of Indian Affairs won't recognize the results of the Meskwaki Tribe's recent election.

In a May 23 letter to the appointed chairman of the Iowa tribe, acting assistant secretary Aurene Martin wrote: The Department's position is that it will not recognize any election that is not held in strict compliance with tribal law. Our position is that the May 22, special election was not called and held in accordance with tribal law and, therefore, we will not recognize the results of it.”

The election was called with the hopes of resolving a dispute between appointed chairman Homer Bear, Jr. and elected chairman Alex Walker, Jr. Bear and his allies received most of the votes in last Thursday's election. Walker only received 6.

The dispute has led to the closure of the tribe's casino. Federal marshals shut down the facility on Friday morning. The National Indian Gaming Commission contends the tribe is violating the law.

Get the Story:
Former Meskwaki Workers File For Unemployment (AP 5/27)
Tribe rues federal action (The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier 5/25)

Related Stories:
Federal marshals close Meskwaki Tribe's casino (5/23)
Meskwaki voters asked to choose new leaders (5/22)
Meskwaki voters urged to vote for new council (5/21)
NIGC asks court to close Meskwaki Tribe's casino (5/20)
Judge calls for receivership for Meskwaki funds (5/19)
Meskwaki casino stays open during leadership spat (5/15)
NIGC orders Meskwaki Tribe to close casino (5/14)
State threatens Meskwaki compact over dispute (5/9)
Meskwaki factions can't agree on discussions (5/8)
Talks between Meskwaki leaders break down (5/6)
Meskwaki Tribe works to resolve dispute (5/5)
NIGC says Meskwaki Tribe in violation of IGRA (5/1)
Meskwaki leadership dispute continues (4/30)
Editorial: NIGC should interfere in tribal dispute (04/24)
NIGC threatens to close Meskwaki Tribe's casino (4/23)
Meskwaki leadership dispute won't affect payroll (4/18)
Federal judge won't intervene in Meskwaki dispute (4/16)
Meskwaki Tribe undergoing leadership struggle (4/10)
Meskwaki tribal council removed and replaced (03/27)