SEATTLE, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Nine Snoqualmie Indians in Washington state who claim they were illegally banished from their tribe will be able to present their case in federal court.
The Seattle Times reported Wednesday that the nine Native Americans are claiming their due process rights were violated when they were banished.
"I was hoping this was America," said Bill Sweet, the ousted chairman of the tribal council. "Rights are just that, rights. This isn't a communist country, this is the United States, and everyone has the right to be heard."
After a tribal election in September 2007, the tribe in April ousted more than 40 members. The ousted members had their rights to hold office and vote.
The ousted members were accused of operating a shadow government after being suspended by honorary chief Jerry Enick last fall.
Sharon Frelinger, who was ousted, said the sitting tribal government is illegal and that she and other tribal members were improperly toppled from office and later banished.
"It was a coup," Frelinger said. "I feel like they are not the legal government, and that is my position."
