GREAT FALLS – A member of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council says the council will seek assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to mediate a dispute that has split the nine-member council and led to 10 tribal members claiming seats.
Council Chairman Willie Sharp Jr. says the council will seek someone to review documents to determine which of the factions is correct.
The split came after Jay St. Goddard was removed last month, replaced and then voted with four others to return himself to the board.
St. Goddard has argued he was illegally removed after other council members made false charges against him involving using tribal equipment for personal reasons.
Goddard says he was ousted because of his complaints about alleged corruption.