Pine Ridge

The political strife on Pine Ridge continues:

Controversy that has surrounded tribal elections since October continues to swirl here as the Oglala Sioux Tribe attempts to seat a new government.

Supporters of former tribal President Alex White Plume are calling on the Bureau of Indian Affairs to set aside the results of Nov. 7 balloting and a Dec. 5 swearing in of a new administration and council. That would force the tribe to hold a new election.

The tribal election board and election court of appeals throughout the fall exchanged conflicting opinions on whether White Plume's name should have been on the ballot since there was a question whether he had been convicted of a felony, and tribal law prohibits convicted felons from holding tribal office.

White Plume insists he does not have a felony on his record.

The controversy appeared to be resolved when White Plume called for himself, other tribal officers and the existing council to remain in office until March while new primary and general elections were conducted - presumably after White Plume was able to clear his name.

William Birdnecklace, a tribal member who is petitioning the BIA to hold new elections, said the council concurred with White Plume's call for extended terms and new elections.