Tension from a St. Regis community movement seeking to oust its own tribal government reached new heights.
One of a group of five individuals calling themselves community "spokespeople" -who had taken over the council's conference room at its tribal community building Monday -returned the next day to demand the room be available for the group's efforts to overthrow the existing three-chief system of government.
Group spokesperson Cindy Smoke was escorted from the building after more than an hour, during which time tribal council officials allege she harassed staff and visitors.
"We want to reassure tribal members that the tribal council remains in control," Tribal Chief Barbara Lazore said in a news release issued Wednesday.
"The spokespersons group will not be permitted to set up an office in the tribal community building."
On Monday, two tribal chiefs spent hours with the group to discuss their concerns.
The grassroots movement has the visiblesupportof approximately40St. Regis community members, although it claims many more are afraid to stand with them out of fear they'll lose their jobs.
Chief James Ransom said the tribal council "will not tolerate intimidation and harassment", referring to Smoke allegedly yanking an invoice from the hand of a delivery person making a stop at the community building Tuesday.
Ransom also expressed concern about the spokespersons recent correspondence to St. Regis area financial institutions.
The letter asked that tribal funds be frozen until the question of who is officially in government can be resolved.
"We are growing concerned that their actions will jeopardize the delivery of programs and services to the community," Ransom said.
Last month, the "spokespeople" held its own community referendum on the threechief system of government.
It proved significant support for their cause, but was considered unofficial by local officials.
According to the tribal council's communications officer, a community phone survey has been in the works since April to determine whether the St. Regis community wants a new governance document to replace the 1994 Tribal Procedures Act, a significant source of contention with the "spokespeople."
In a statement released Wednesday, the "spokespeople" said they "will not be strong-armed by a defunct flip-flopping tribal council. We will continue to fight for you the people."