KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) – Two factions of a divided Blackfeet Tribal Business Council have split again.

The Flathead Beacon reports that Chairman Willie Sharp Jr. on Thursday expelled Councilman Leonard Guardipee and replaced him with Allen Shane Goss.

“We’ve lost all good faith in Chairman Sharp and Councilwoman Forestina Calf Boss Ribs,” said Councilman Shannon Augare. “We’re taking steps backwards. Willie Sharp has created his own fantasy land of power where he’s not just the chairman, he’s the whole council.”

Internal disputes split the governing council in October as each faction called for its own designated person to be named tribal treasurer, causing a halt to the tribe’s payroll.

That impasse was solved earlier this month, and the two sides had agreed to meet Monday to discuss reuniting the split government.

Now, Sharp says the council has a quorum. But Augare says Sharp’s faction overstepped its authority.

Roger “Sassy” Running Crane said he expects that the Bureau of Indian Affairs will likely reject Goss’ appointment and that Guardipee’s expulsion will be reversed.

“(Goss) was a custodian two days ago and now he’s been illegally appointed to the highest office in Blackfeet Country,” Augare said.

Augare said the problems in the Blackfeet tribal government stem from a flawed constitution that should be changed.

“It doesn’t matter what side you’re on, I think we can all agree that there are a lot of loopholes in our constitution,” Augare said. “This is the perfect time to bring about constitutional reform and that discussion should include all sides of the council.”

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Information from: Flathead Beacon, http://www.flatheadbeacon.com