Ramapough Lenape Leader Removed, Arrested in Tribal Conflict

Leadership Struggle and Legal Consequences

Dwaine Perry, who has served as the principal chief of the Ramapough Lenape Nation since 2007, has been permanently removed from his position by the Tribal Council. The 5,000-member tribe is now facing a significant leadership crisis after Perry was arrested for trespassing while attempting to enter the community center on Stag Hill Road.

The Tribal Council initially announced Perry's "temporary suspension" in a statement released on May 27, citing alleged "serious violations." A hearing followed on June 1, and on June 13, the council voted unanimously to permanently remove, ban, and disqualify Perry from holding any future office. This decision marked a dramatic shift in the tribe’s internal dynamics.

Perry was arrested on July 22 when he tried to enter the community center, according to police reports. He was charged with trespassing and was later released, as confirmed by Mahwah police Captain Michael Blondin.

Internal Governance and Future Plans

The Tribal Council is responsible for overseeing three clans: the Wolf Clan in Mahwah, the Turtle Clan in Ringwood, and the Deer Clan in Hillburn, New York. Vincent Mann, the Turtle Clan Chief, has been appointed as acting principal chief until an election can be held. The council stated that the election will take place once its enrollment rolls are updated to ensure all eligible members are accurately documented.

Perry, through his attorney Lydia Cotz, has labeled the Tribal Council’s actions as part of an "illegal coup." Cotz emphasized that there is no evidence of fiscal impropriety or fraud on Perry’s part. She claims that the council members were not legally authorized to make such decisions and plans to file a complaint in state court to restore Perry’s position.

Mann described the removal as an "internal matter" governed by tribal law. He stated that the council has rules and regulations similar to those in the outside world and criticized Perry's leadership for causing stagnation over the past decade. According to Mann, things were not being done in compliance with tribal law.

Perspectives from Within the Tribe

Tribal Council officers did not immediately respond to requests for more information. However, former Wolf Clan Chief Wallace Dennison sent an email stating that Perry had been mishandling tribal affairs for almost two decades. Dennison supported the Tribal Council’s decision to enforce their bylaws and constitution, claiming that documentation was provided outlining the charges against Perry.

Perry has been deeply involved with the Ramapoughs for over three decades. The tribe, which includes Dutch settlers, escaped slaves, and Native Americans, has fought for various rights, including conducting tribal ceremonies, seeking land rights for casino development, and opposing the Pilgrim Pipeline.

In June 2022, Perry was present during the ceremonial return of a 285-year-old deed granting land use to the Sloat family. Perhaps most notably, during Perry’s tenure, Split Rock Mountain, a sacred site for the Ramapoughs, was purchased by the Land Conservancy of New Jersey and donated to the Ramapo Munsee Land Alliance in 2023. Perry compared the site to the biblical Mount Sinai, describing it as a place where holy people gathered to deliberate peace and understanding among other peoples.

Ongoing Concerns and Tribal Law

The Tribal Council has raised several concerns about Perry’s administration, including:

• Obstruction of lawful elections since 2014.
• Diversion of funds intended for the tribe.
• Unauthorized decision-making and intimidation.
• Use of tribal identity and letterhead for private benefit.

The council rejected Perry’s characterization of the removal as a coup, stating that his actions were the result of longstanding concerns raised by elders, council members, donors, and tribal citizens.