Advertise:   ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

National
Ute Tribe elects candidate critical of finances


Members of the Northern Ute Tribe of Utah have elected an Army veteran who has criticized the way the tribe's finances are being handled.

Frances Poowegup, a former Army sergeant, was elected to the business committee. She has spoken out against the use of John Jurrius, a non-Indian adviser whom critics say has too much say over the tribe's finances.

According to tribal members, Jurrius is paid $50,000 a month and receives a portion of the tribe's oil and gas revenues for his work. He also hired his brother as CEO of the tribe's business enterprises.

Get the Story:
Ute Tribe rejects vote challenge (The Deseret Morning News 4/21)

Related Stories:
Upset Utes want Ross Swimmer fired over trust fund (04/01)
Judge tosses lawsuit over BIA role in tribal finances (10/21)
Ute tribal members sue BIA over tribal finances (10/23)
Ute tribal election said tainted by endorsement (4/23)