MARTY -- The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Yankton Sioux Tribe (YST) were suspended Saturday at a meeting of the tribe's General Council.

Brothers Steve and Robert Cournoyer were suspended without pay, and Tribal Treasurer Harlan Horned Eagle will be retested for drug and alcohol use. Horned Eagle had failed a previous test for alcohol and drugs, and if he tests positive in this test, he will also be terminated.

The vote was 46-0 for the suspensions. The press release from YST mentioned possible unauthorized expenditures and contractual agreements and said an investigation will be conducted.

Members instated Ellsworth Chytka as pro-tem Chairman and Lois "Pokey" Weddell as pro-tem Secretary. The changes take effect immediately. The pro-tem officers, YST TERO Commission and interested tribal members will meet with U.S. Attorney Karen Schreier to investigate any potential discrepancies.

According to the release, tribal members are frustrated at the Business and Claims Committee's refusal to recognize the authority and direction of the Yankton Sioux General Council. Members believe the Committee acted out of the scope of its authority.

Since January 1998, several attempts have been made to convene General Council meetings to allow tribal members to provide input and resolve concerns that may involve unauthorized expenditures and contractual agreements.

Saturday's meeting was officially scheduled by the members present at the Oct. 9 General Council meeting.

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12 February 2000, lrb