North Dakota tribe cites $100M-plus debt

In announcing the layoffs of about 80 employees, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota cited a debt of more than $105 million.

The tribe says the layoffs will save $2 million a year for its general budget. A wide range of services and programs, from maintenance to day care to elders' meals, are affected.

The 250 to 300 employees whose salaries come from federal grants of programs won't be affected. Neither will the casino, which employs about 400.

Tribal leaders w ill be in Washington, D.C., next week to discuss several issues, including $26 million allegedly owed to the tribe for trust-related duties.

Get the Story:
Tribal job cuts will have sweeping affect (The Minot Daily News 2/9)

Relevant Links:
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation - http://www.mhanation.com

Related Stories:
North Dakota tribe announces layoffs of employees (2/8)
Tex Hall still fighting loss of tribal election (1/19)
Tex Hall mulling next step in election dispute (1/11)
Tex Hall gets day in court over disputed election (12/20)
Tex Hall asks tribal court to call new election (11/30)
Tex Hall loses challenge to election results (11/20)
Tex Hall challenges results after losing election (11/16)
Tex Hall loses re-election bid at Fort Berthold (11/9)
Tex Hall facing tough campaign for re-election (10/10)
Tex Hall seeks third term as chairman of tribe (09/21)
Tex Hall faces eight challengers in chairman's race (09/05)
North Dakota tribe's refinery under scrutiny (08/23)
North Dakota tribe to host Lewis and Clark event (08/14)
Tribal members debate oil refinery on reservation (08/02)
Army Corps holds hearing on return of land to tribe (06/27)
Army Corps sets hearings on return of land to tribe (06/15)
Tribe seeks funds to complete oil refinery study (05/09)
Yellow Bird: The rising price of ... ethanol? (04/17)
BIA to hold public hearing on tribe's oil refinery (10/20)
N.D. tribe to avoid burial sites in quest for oil (03/10)
Reservation residents oppose proposed oil refinery (03/10)
N.D. tribe invests in $80 million refinery (03/14)