Pawnee leaders release info on settlement disbursement

Recently there have been inquiries concerning the allocations of funds awarded to the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma from the Nez Perce vs. Salazar settlement. Of the $4,442,000 settlement amount, the Nation distributed a $2 million per capita payment to 3,247 tribal members, with an additional $400,000 dollar payment to the legal the Nation’s representation, the Native American Rights Fund of Boulder, Colo.

In response to a request from the Office of the Inspector General, the Nation provided the following list of Pawnee Business Council (PBC) approved distribution of fund from the remainder of the settlement funds:

ICDBG Project – Roundhouse Renovations - $317,000

Approved by PBC on 02-22-13 to be placed in escrow account:

ICDBG Project – Elder’s Center, $236,667

Approved by PBC on 02-22-13 to be placed in escrow account

Burial Assistance - $240,000 for two years – 2013 and 2014 Effective – 03-13-2013, UP TO $4,500 per burial, paid to the funeral vendor and $500 for the family. This increased from the current amount of $1,500.

School Age Children – all enrolled tribal members K-12 - $250,000 - $250 for school clothes, school supplies, school fees, athletic equipment, etc. provided by a $125 voucher for fall semester and upon providing receipts will be eligible for $125 for spring semester.

Parent Teachers Organization - School Books - $4,250 for text books for the Pawnee Public Schools

Title VI Elderly Meals - $81,900 to supplement for the program shortfall for 2013-14.

From the Reserve Fund:

The purchase two lawnmowers for Property - $17,998

The repair and replacement of the pump for Water Well #1 - $8,085

ICDBG Project – Roundhouse Renovations – Change Order - $6,440



The list below includes appropriation recommendations from the Committee currently being considered but not yet approved.

Pawnee Nation College - $100,000

Pawnee Language and History Class - $20,000/$5,000 per year

Title VII Indian Education and CASA - $20,000 total/$10,000 each program/$5,000 per year

Indiana University Language Study - $25,000 for 18 months

College scholarships - $50,000

Graduate studies - $20,000

Pawnee Cultural activities (outside of school) - $20,000

Nasharo Council - $10,000

Nebraska lands (repairs, taxes, etc.) - $20,000



Balance will be placed in Reserve Account. All disbursements of funds will be reported to tribal members in Chaticks-si-Chaticks Newsletter.

The Office of Inspect General (OIG) recently contacted President Marshall Gover after allegations of misappropriations of these trust funds was made to their office. President Gover satisfied the OIG by providing the distribution of funds listed above. OIG expressed concern over the false report made to their office by disgruntled tribal members.

The Settlement Oversight Committee, established by the PBC on Sept. 8, 2012, is comprised of three members of the PBC and three members of the Narsharo Council.

Linda Jestes (acting chairman), Carol Nuttle, and Karla Knife Chief are the PBC representatives and Francis Morris (Pitahawirata Band), Warren “Junior” Pratt (Skidi Band), and Ralph Haymond (Kitkehahki Band) are the Nasharo representatives.

For more information, please contact the Pawnee Nation Communications Office at (918) 762-3621 Ext. 25 or at (918) 399-1344.



Release Date: 3/22/2013