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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My Statement Regarding Ongoing Legal Actions Involving Former Chief Dwaine C. Perry.
It is deeply troubling to witness former Chief Dwaine C. Perry once again pursuing legal action in state court against a tribal official of the Ramapough Lenape Nation. This action represents a direct challenge to the inherent sovereignty of the Ramapough people and our Nation’s established right to self-govern.
The Ramapough Lenape Nation maintains its own internal mechanisms for governance, conflict resolution, and disciplinary procedures, as outlined in our Constitution and By-laws. Matters concerning internal tribal issues, including disputes among members, fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of our tribal government. Mr. Perry’s decision to seek redress through external courts disregards these established processes and constitutes a violation of our sovereign right to handle internal affairs independently.
Such actions not only undermine the authority and legitimacy of our Tribal Council but also reflect the same pattern of behavior that ultimately led to Mr. Perry’s suspension and formal banishment from the Nation. His continued efforts to bypass tribal processes demonstrate a disregard for the will of the people and the governance structures we uphold.
With respect to tribal elections, our By-laws are explicit regarding the protocols for when, where, and how elections are to be conducted, including oversight. The claim that elections have not been held for ten years due to a lack of participation is both misleading and an attempt to deflect from Mr. Perry’s own violations of tribal law during his tenure.
I idependently assert that the State of New Jersey holds no jurisdiction over internal tribal governance matters. Allowing state courts to interfere in such disputes not only sets a dangerous precedent but also represents a continued erosion of the Ramapough Lenape Nation’s inherent sovereignty.
Mr. Perry’s actions are a disservice to the Ramapough people and to the memory of our ancestors, who fought to protect our rights, identity, and independence. His conduct is shameful and stands in direct opposition to the values and traditions we strive to uphold.