The Snoqualmie Tribe took action to banish nine tribal members in an apparent schism between current and ousted members of the tribe’s elected council.

Council member and chief Nathan Barker confirmed that the members had been officially banished at a private discipline meeting held Sunday, April 27, at the Issaquah Hilton Garden Inn.

Sitting tribal members contend that those considered for banishment are members of a rival, “illegal shadow government,” and most do not have the necessary amount of Native American lineage to be in the tribe, according to a statement signed by Barker, head chief Jerry Enick and 10 other council members.