The Trump administration cannot distribute coronavirus relief funds meant for Indian tribal governments to for-profit Alaska Native Corporations because they are not Indian Tribes and do not have recognized governing bodies under federal law.

In another major development, five more tribes have joined the CARES Act lawsuit in order to ensure the $8 billion coronavirus relief fund goes to governments in Indian Country.

Six tribal governments — including three from Alaska — are suing the Trump administration in order to prevent Alaska Native corporations from cashing in on the $8 billion coronavirus relief fund. At 5:45 am on April 20, 2020, the tribes asked a federal judge for a preliminary injunction. They want an order directing Secretary of the […]