Snoqualmie Tribe paralyzed by split, goes to mediation
September 16, 2009
The Snoqualmie Tribe went to mediation in Seattle last week to resolve a dispute that caused a group of tribal elders to dissolve the council in August.
The mediation has been between two factions of tribal council members, some of whom are also among the elders who dissolved the council. A Seattle law firm, Alhadeff and Forbes, acted as the mediator.
After at least two days of mediation at the firm’s office, it is unclear if the dispute has been resolved. Read more
Judge rules for banished tribe members
May 7, 2009
A federal-court judge ruled on April 30 that the Snoqualmie Tribe violated the right to due process of nine tribe members that it banished last year.
“I’m very grateful for Judge Robart. He handled the issue very well for both Indian sovereignty and for individual Native American civil rights,” said Carolyn Lubenau, who was a tribal council vice chairwoman, before her banishment.
Judge James L. Robart set aside the banishment of the nine tribe members, and placed a 90-day limit on the tribe members’ social banishment. The social banishment prevents them from visiting tribal lands or other tribal members.
Carolyn Lubenau displays a document which she says proves she's a part of the Snoqualmie Tribe.
