More than four-dozen people are running in the June 7 primary to fill four open spots on the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. After the primary election whittles down the field, candidates will face-off in a general election on June 28. The new council members will be seated during North American Indian Days and a new chairman could also be selected then.
The open positions represent Browning, Heart Butte, Seville and Old Agency. Incumbents Bill Old Chief, Forrestina Calf Boss Ribs and Earl Old Person are among the people running to keep their spots on council. The list of candidates recently published in the Glacier Reporter includes familiar names, including former chairman Willie Sharp Jr. and other former members. Council elections occur every two years and members are seated for four-year terms.
While the tribe’s government was pushed into turmoil in 2012 and 2013, the last few years have been more stable under the leadership of Chairman Harry Barnes.