the staff of the Ridgewood blog
MAHWAH, NJ — Former Ramapough Lenape Nation Principal Chief Dwaine Perry, unseated in June, has filed a complaint in Bergen County Superior Court seeking to reclaim his leadership role over the 5,000-member tribe.
Perry, who resides in Hillburn, New York — home to the Ramapough Deer Clan — was first temporarily suspended by the Tribal Council on May 27, and then permanently “removed, banished, and disqualified” on June 1 after a hearing on multiple charges.
In his complaint, Perry alleges that Tribal Council Secretary Madeline Betancourt improperly counted “yes” votes during the May 27 suspension meeting, including votes from individuals who were not council members and had “no legal standing to vote.” He labeled the move a “coup.”
The Tribal Council, however, disputes that characterization. In a June 13 statement, council members cited long-standing concerns, including:
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Obstruction of lawful elections since 2014.
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Diversion of funds intended for the tribe.
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Unauthorized decision-making and intimidation.
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Use of tribal identity and letterhead for personal benefit.
“His removal is the result of longstanding concerns raised by elders, council members, donors and tribal citizens,” the statement reads.
Perry has served as principal chief since 2014, though references to him as chief date back to 2007. His complaint notes that “for the past decade, no candidates have come forward,” resulting in the same officers holding their positions.
Vincewnt Mann, chief of the Turtle Clan in Ringwood, has been named acting chief until new elections are organized. Mann has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
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