Editorial: What about holding tribes accountable?

MONDAY, JULY 21, 2003

With the Department of Interior providing the goldbook standard for mismanagement, it's no surprise that tribal governments are rife with fraud and abuse, The Daily Oklahoman says in an editorial.

"Tribes don't have enough oversight or accountability, particularly for the federal tax dollars they receive, and the money doesn't always go to help the tribal members who most need it," the paper says. "There's often little inclination among tribal officials to open the books for review to anyone outside the loop of tribal governing bodies, including Indians."

The paper cites the trust fund and several tribes as examples of the lack of accountability. "Where does this end?" the paper asks, quoting U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth.

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Oklahoman Editorial: Native Accountability (The Daily Oklahoman 7/19)
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Today on Indianz.Com:
Contempt charges against Interior vacated (7/21)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm
Indian Trust, Department of Interior - http://www.doi.gov/indiantrust

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