The Bureau of Indian Affairs is refusing to release funds to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma due to an ongoing leadership dispute.

Betty Tippeconnie, the superintendent at the Concho Agency, won't release $4.6 million in funds, The Native American Times reported. The money was to be used for the annual Christmas per capita payment.

“Regrettably, the Concho agency cannot honor your request for federal action as of this date because the agency does not know with certainty the identities of the validly seated governor, lieutenant governor and members of the legislature for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes,” Tippeconnie said in a letter, the Times reported.

Gov. Janice Prairie Chief-Boswell and Lt. Gov. Leslie Wandrie-Harjo each claim to be in control of the tribe. Their dispute has gone unresolved for nearly three years.

Get the Story:
BIA: Who’s your leader? C&A per cap checks on hold (The Native American Times 12/4)

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