Opponents seek ouster of Blackfeet council

An opposition group is pushing for the ouster of Blackfeet Tribal Business Council members based on a ruling from a court of elders.

Roberta Crossguns, an attorney for the opposition group, says the traditional customs court banished Chairman Willie Sharp, Jr. and four other council members in an Aug. 25 ruling. They were replaced with a 13-person interim council that would remain in place until an election is held.

But Crossguns says the sitting council has not recognized the customs court's authority and shows no signs of leaving.

Opponents pledged to rally Tuesday outside the council's offices in Browning until their demands were met.

Sharp and other council members did not respond to telephone calls seeking comment.

Each side has accused the other of corruption and other offenses.