Montana still withholding $900,000 after tribe’s president can’t explain accounting

Montana still holding Little Shell tribe’s money

BILLINGS, Mont. — State officials say they will continue to withhold almost $900,000 in grants and stimulus funds from Montana’s Little Shell Indians after the tribe’s president failed to answer concerns over its accounting practices.

Audits last year by the Departments of Commerce and Public Health and Human Services revealed shoddy accounting within the tribe had opened the door to potential financial abuse.

In a Jan. 20 letter, attorneys from the two agencies said $180,000 for tobacco use prevention and $70,000 for economic development remain suspended. A $617,000 federal stimulus grant that the state Legislature directed toward the tribe is also on hold.

A rival faction within the 4,300 member tribe is pushing for the ouster of President John Sinclair, in part because of the problems with the state funds.