JUST IN | October 16, 2026 | Truth in Focus
LAME DEER, Montana — The Northern Cheyenne Tribe has issued a notice inviting qualified candidates to file for a special election to fill what the notice describes as a vacancy in the office of Tribal President.
The notice, dated October 16, 2026 and signed by Tribal Secretary Alicia Cano, sets a presidential primary for Tuesday, November 24, 2026, followed by a general election Tuesday, December 29, 2026. It says the person elected will serve until the presidential winner from the regular November 2028 election is sworn in.
Candidate filing information
Qualified candidates must file a signed Declaration of Candidacy and pay a nonrefundable $500 filing fee no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026. Payment must be made by certified check, cashier check, or money order. According to the notice, the Tribal Secretary is temporarily located at 22 Cheyenne Avenue, Lame Deer, Montana 59043, behind the Flower Grinder.
Who may file?
The notice lists minimum qualifications: enrollment by blood in the Northern Cheyenne Tribe; being at least 30 years old on the date of the general election; and customary and actual residence on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation from one year before the primary election date through the general election. The notice says the successful candidate must continue that residence throughout the term of office.
It further states that candidates properly filing will appear on the primary ballot and, if successful in the primary or if no primary is held under the Election Ordinance, on the general election ballot.
What the notice does and does not decide
This is an announcement of an election and filing process. It is not, by itself, a court decision establishing the legal basis for the declared vacancy. Truth in Focus is sharing the dates and requirements exactly as described in the signed notice, without taking a position on any ongoing dispute over tribal leadership.
Source: Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Notice Soliciting Candidates for Tribal Election to Fill the Vacancy in the Office of Tribal President, dated October 16, 2026, signed by Tribal Secretary Alicia Cano. A copy was provided to Truth in Focus for review.
By Steven Bullcoming Haworth | Truth in Focus