CCT leaders call for resignation of council member

NESPELEM, WA-The Executive Committee of the Colville Business Council, with the unanimous concurrence of the CBC Law and Justice Committee, today announced that it has requested the resignation of CBC member Ferdinand Louie, the Tribes said in a press release today.

The Executive Committee has an oversight role for the conduct of the CBC. The Law and Justice Committee has oversight over matters related to civil and criminal law.

“We regret that this action is necessary, but believe it is in the best interests of the Colville Tribes,” Colville Business Council Chairman Michael O. Finley said today.

Louie, from the Omak District, was arrested by Tulalip Tribal Police and booked into jail Monday after police responded to a call on an alleged domestic violence incident in Tulalip. Booking information states that Louie was arrested on suspicion of Domestic Violence Assault in the 4th Degree. Today, the tribal court judge in the case set a $1,000 cash bail and scheduled a hearing for June 19.

This is the second time this year that Louie has been arrested for suspected domestic violence. In January, Louie was charged in the Colville Tribal Court with Battery/Domestic Violence. He subsequently agreed to participate in the Tribes' Peacemaking Program as a result of that charge.

“If Mr. Louie does not agree to resign, ethics charges will be filed against him under the Council's Code of Professional Responsibility,” Finley said. “The Council will then follow the required process for considering those charges.”