The leader of the Ramapough Lenape Nation in Bergen County has sued rival tribal members for allegedly staging an illegal takeover of the council, ousting him, having him arrested, and seizing control of the tribe’s nonprofit arm.
Chief Dwaine Perry claims in court papers that rival members violated the tribe’s 2008 Constitution when they voted in May to suspend him and later removed him and other council members without proper authority.
After his removal, Perry was arrested at tribal headquarters in Mahwah for allegedly trespassing, court records show.
Perry says his removal was based on outdated 2004 bylaws that allow non-council members to vote, according to the lawsuit, filed in Superior Court of Bergen County on Aug. 7.
Tribal Council members did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment on the lawsuit.
The Ramapough Lenape Nation is recognized by New Jersey and New York as an American Indian tribe. The Tribal Council oversees the Wolf Clan in Mahwah, the Turtle Clan in Ringwood and the Deer Clan in Hillburn, New York.
After his suspension, Perry was charged on July 22 with criminal trespass when he returned to the Ramapough Lenape Community Center in the 100 block of Stag Hill Road, according to court records.
A source close to the case claims Perry was arrested when he returned to replace pictures of himself, which had been taken off a wall after he was ousted.
The Ramapough Lenape Community Center on Stag Hill Road in Mahwah.
Police issued Perry a summons to appear in court and released him. The charge, which is a disorderly persons’ offense, remains pending in municipal court.
Perry is suing rival members for allegedly defaming him after he suggested “their finances should be looked at,” said his attorney,…


The Ramapough Lenape Community Center on Stag Hill Road in Mahwah.Google Maps