LAME DEER, Montana — October 13, 2026. Northern Cheyenne President Gene Small issued a public statement dated October 13 raising concerns about reported disruptions to tribal government computer systems, communications, financial processing and payments to service providers.
The statement alleges that disruptions are interfering with the work of several departments, including LIHEAP, Human Services, IV-E Child Services, Finance, Human Resources, Enrollment and other offices. The extent of those disruptions has not yet been independently verified by Truth in Focus.
Concerns about funeral assistance
Small specifically raised concerns about Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes and the impact that delayed vendor payments could have on families arranging services for loved ones. Truth in Focus has not independently confirmed the amounts or status of any invoices or identified a specific family affected by a delay.
Disputed authority and government operations
Small’s statement calls for essential government systems and vendor payments to be restored and criticizes Ernest Littlemouth and Council members who participated in the September 30 removal proceedings. The Tribal Council voted to remove Small during those proceedings; Small disputes the validity and consequences of that action. The newsroom does not treat the competing claims of presidential authority as conclusively resolved by this statement.
Small alleges failures in oversight and the management of government systems. Responsibility for any confirmed disruptions, and whether they stem from technical problems, administrative decisions or other causes, remains to be established.
Responses requested
Truth in Focus has contacted Small, the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council and Stevenson & Sons to seek comment and supporting information. Questions include which services are affected, when disruptions began, whether payments remain outstanding and what assistance is currently available to community members. Substantive responses were pending at the time this report was prepared.
Small’s statement is a source document and represents his account of the situation. Truth in Focus will continue checking those claims against records, department information, service-provider accounts and responses from other officials.
Editor’s note: This developing report attributes operational and financial claims to President Gene Small’s October 13 statement. The claims have not all been independently confirmed, and this article does not determine responsibility for the reported disruptions.