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• Little Shell Chippewa Alliance debates changes

A group that calls itself the Little Shell Alliance is moving forward with plans to pass an amendment to the Little Shell's tribal constitution, despite a recent announcement by Tribal leaders who say they the actions of the Alliance are illegal.

The Alliance recently sent 3,100 ballots to tribe members asking their approval of an amendment that they say would add accountability and establish a tribal court to intervene in disputes between members and leadership.

Tribal President John Sinclair says leadership may need to call a tribunal and sanction Alliance members for illegal actions.

Alliance members say terms used by Sinclair like "tribunal" and "sanctions" do not exist in the Little Shell constitution.

James Parker Shield of the Little Shell Alliance said of Sinclair, "He knows he's unpopular with his own tribal members. That's why he fears an open, honest, democratic election. That's also why he makes up rules as he goes along. Why he rants and raves and makes up words like "tribunal" and "sanction". Words that don't don't even exist in our constitution."

Some Tribal Council members who also consider themselves members of the Alliance are encouraging ballot recipients to fill them out.

While the in-fighting continues amongst the Little Shell, Sinclair says the tribe is going to appeal a recent Department of Interior decision to deny the Little Shell federal recognition.

At the same time, efforts will continue to gain recognition through the legislative process.

Sinclair said, "Before this is going to work, if we can ever get this out of committee the tribe has to unite in some way. It has to come from within. We've had people outside the tribe try to come in and force mediation and it's just not going to happen. We're not going to give up our sovereignty. If we do that, there's no point in being recognized."

Legislation has been introduced that, if passed, could secure federal recognition for the Little Shell.