The seating of a new Blackfeet Tribal Business Committee has raised hopes that the change in leadership will bring to a close one of the most tumultuous periods in recent Blackfeet history.

The disintegration of tribal government on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation began almost as soon as the 2012 elections had ended. Discord among tribal leaders led to unpaid tribal employees and financial problems.

Harry Barnes is the new tribal chairman.

The 63-year-old Browning business owner ran a campaign as a consensus builder and ended up receiving the most votes of any candidate in the tribe's 2014 general election.

Barnes tells the Great Falls Tribune that relationships within the tribe must be mended and work must be done to rebuild the tribe.

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