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The Little Shell Chippewa Tribe is taking another step in the path to resolving a nearly year-long dispute over leadership within the tribe.

Little Shell Alliance Chairman John Gilbert announced the latest plans for a solution during a meeting Saturday at the Westgate Mall.

Gilbert and Tribal Council President John Sinclair met Friday to talk about moving forward and putting the disagreement behind them.

At this point, it seems a tribal judges panel seems to be the best option.

The panel would be made up of three tribal judges who would offer a binding decision on who would lead the tribe.

"We put together the judges panel it would make it arbitrated and binding, so it's something that we can both agree on, and hopefully that both of our councils will come together on it, we shake hands and get on with business, federal recognition for the little shell people and bring our people back together," said Gilbert.

In a phone interview, Sinclair told KRTV his council more than anyone wants the issue resolved, but thought publicizing the issue hurts the chances of resolution.

"It's a very sensitive time for the tribe, I think we need to work carefully through this, make sure that we don't close any doors that have been opened," Sinclair said.

At the meeting, 35 people signed a letter to Sinclair, urging him to let tribal judges resolve the issue in two weeks rather than waiting another 90 days before taking action.