Belcourt, N.D. (AP) The chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and the Tribal Council are trying to remove each other from office.

Chairman Richard Marcellais (MAR'-sel-ays), who's also a state senator from Belcourt, is barred from tribal headquarters under an order from a tribal judge. Marcellais ordered the council suspended earlier this month.

On July 12th, the Tribal Council held an emergency meeting and voted 5-1 to oust him. The resolution said he "chose to disrupt the democratic process." Marcellais says hee's appealing the judge's ruling. He says that under the tribal constitution, he's still the chairman.

Council member Cindy Malaterre (mal-ah-TAYR'-ee) says he's out of office. She says a hearing will be scheduled so he can hear the charges against him.

Malaterre and Councilman Ted Henry say Marcellais has a history of conflict with the council and refused to abide by its resolutions.

Information from: Grand Forks Herald, http://www.grandforksherald.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-19-09 2028CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list