LAME DEER, Mont. — September 21, 2026 — Truth in Focus is seeking direct responses from Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council members and other tribal officials as questions continue surrounding the Tribe’s ongoing government and leadership dispute.
On August 18, a Northern Cheyenne Tribal Court ruling found that the 2025 declaration that purported to remove eight elected council members had no legal effect and ordered control of council offices and government resources returned to the plaintiffs. Montana Free Press subsequently reported that the ruling reinstated the eight council members and voided the special election held to replace them. (Turtle Talk)
The legal dispute did not immediately end there. Buffalo’s Fire reported on August 25 that three Traditional Chiefs sought to appeal the Trial Court decision. (Buffalo’s Fire)
Truth in Focus has now contacted multiple individuals connected to the Tribal Council and requested their perspective on the present status of tribal government, the effect the dispute may be having on programs and services, access to public information and records, and what tribal members should know now.
We have also invited officials to provide documents, meeting records, official statements, or other information that may help establish a clear factual record.
This is a developing story.
Truth in Focus will update this report as officials respond and additional records are reviewed. Our goal is to hear from the people directly involved, distinguish documented facts from competing claims, and help the public understand what is happening and what comes next.
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