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MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2001

Kevin Gover was unaware a colleague established a $50,000 co-trust for him on behalf of a tribal client, the former Assistant Secretary told The Boston Globe.

The trust was created by Dennis G. Chappabitty for work the two are doing on behalf of the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe of Nevada. The trust is to be used for current and future services rendered, said a tribal lawyer who handles the account

The lawyer said Gover was not told of the account until after it was created. Gover did not ask for it, he says.

Without providing additional reporting, The Globe suggests the trust is tied to Gover's decision to recognize the Chinook Nation of Wasington. Chappabitty's wife is a tribal member.

On his last day in office, Gover signed a final determination in favor of the tribe. In 1997, the tribe had been denied by Ada Deer, Gover's predecessor.

Gover now works for the Washington, DC, law firm of Steptoe & Johnson.

Get the Story:
Trust benefits ex-BIA official (The Boston Globe 8/13)

Get Recognition Documents:
Chinook Indian Tribe (1997)

Relevant Links:
Branch of Acknowledgment and Research - http://www.doi.gov/bia/ack_res.html
Steptoe & Johnson - http://www.steptoe.com

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