PESHAWBESTOWN, MI -- Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians’ tribal members are petitioning for a special session to address claims that a tribal council member stole form the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
In a special session last week, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Council provided a notice to Council Member Brian Napont of intent to refer to the Tribal Judiciary and the possible removal of office for misconduct in office.
“This (notice) was brought forward by the Tribal Attorney. He did take it upon himself being that he is a tribal attorney and has to uphold the rights of all our tribal citizens,” said tribal member Desmond Berry.
In a packet given to council, Napont is accused of stealing form the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. According to the document, Napont allegedly arranged for the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa General Manager to give him a set of golf clubs, valued at $530, for a one-time payment of $240. In the same packet, Napont is also accused of underpaying $110 for golf shoes.
During last week’s special session, a motion was made for the allegations to move to Tribal Judiciary. A role call vote was taken by all council members, including Napont, who voted no. There were not enough votes gathered to move the “notice of intent” to Tribal Judiciary. Chairman Bailey did not get a vote because there was not a tie.
While Councilman Napont maintains his innocence to these allegations, tribal members are speaking out. They say they want the tribal board to members to follow-up the theft allegations with a judiciary hearing.
“My hope would be that our tribal council once again raises this issue and takes this issue to that next step in the process so that we have a clear understanding if those allegations are in fact true of not,” Berry said.
