Topix - Wed Nov 25

Group attempts to illegally remove council from officesBy TY BEAVERH&N Staff WriterCHILOQUIN - Klamath County sheriff's deputies were at the Klamath Tribes' administrative offices in Chiloquin MOnday to keep the peace between two political factions fighting for control of the Tribes.About 15 people attenpted to have tribal council members removed from their offices, claiming the elected officials were recalled and new members were voted into office.The tribal government said the group's election was invalid, and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs sent a letter to the tribal government and the sheriff's office stating the group's actions were illegal."We're going to go along with business as usual," said Taylor David, spokeswoman for the Tribes.Deputies PresentSheriff Tim Evinger said deputies were not present to enforce tribal law, but to be on hand in case there was some kind of altercation between the two groups.

Topix - Wed Nov 25

Obtained from an insider at the Klamath Tribes Administration, the following is the letter sent to the Tribes from the BIA following Saturday's revolutionary act by General Council to oust 7 of the 10 members of Tribal Council.<p>The letter was attached to an email sent out by Kathleen "Myrt" Mitchell, wife of council member Jeff Mitchell, who is one of the ousted council members. Following is the email and letter."From: Kathleen MitchellSent: Monday, November 23, 2009 1:19 PMTo: _EverybodySubject: BIA LetterEverybody Attached is a copy of the BIA letter received early this afternoon from Stan Speaks, Northwest Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I hope this correspondence will resolve some of the questions regarding the governing Tribal Council.It was hard to concentrate on work today and I understand and realize today has been a difficult one for all of us. I appreciate your calm and patience with the situation and hope that the coming days will remain peaceful for everyones sake.Kathleen MitchellGeneral Manager"_________________________________________________

Topix - Wed Nov 25

Sheriff's deputies called to Chiloquin to keep the peaceMonday, November 23, 2009 11:45 AM PSTKlamath County sheriffs deputies were at the Klamath Tribes administrative offices in Chiloquin Monday to keep the peace between two political factions fighting for control of the Tribes.About 15 people attempted to have tribal council members removed from their offices, saying they held an election this weekend after a tribal general council meeting was cancelled. The group said those in attendance recalled the council and voted its members into office.The tribal government has said the groups election was invalid, and tribal officials have asked the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to help settle the matter.