An audit conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General found that the Fort Belknap Indian Community is not properly administering housing funds, ABCMontana.com reported this morning.
Among the issues the audit revealed: failing to collect $1 million in rent from 2006 to 2008; spending $183,000 on non-accepted renovation work; and being reimbursed for $32,000 in unallowable costs, including $2,600 used for burial expenses for nine tribal members.
Though the tribe disputes the allegations, it has agreed to fix some of the accounting deficiencies.
Why does this not surprise me?! I'm an enrolled tribal member and still haven't received my money nor have my 3 enrolled children! My husband is also enrolled Gros Ventre and he just received a .06 cent check again! What the hell???
ReplyDeleteThey should check out Blackfeet Tribe!
ReplyDeleteThe should check out the Warm Springs Tribe in Oregon
ReplyDeleteHUD has not done a good job in Indian Country because when we have problems and want to be heard, they just burry their head in the sand. Whoever is the CEO of HUD at the higher level needs to take action and correct the deficiences that are all over Indian Country. They just can't pretend and sit quitely like nothing is wrong. So many homes are not safe structurly and many have cut corners and they want payment. I grant you the CEO would not live in a home that is unfinishied. Is HUD really proud of their actions?
ReplyDeleteWe know most of our leaders have a terrible reputation for using funds any way they see fit. In most cases they are double dipping or triple because what they get is never enough. I think the HUD personnel should have their feet to the fire. They know things are wrong in Indian Country and they sit at their desk doing nothing about the way HUD programs operate. They are content to earn their salary for nothing. We really have no one to talk with that will take the corrective action and correct what is wrong. They seem to be comfortable in ther seats doing nothing about the problems that needs their attention.
ReplyDeleteThe above comments are true, most hud projects are unfinished products that continue to remain unsafe. Who ever is at the top level running this HUD Program needs to resign because the homes currently built are in such poor condition. The material used to built is of such poor quality, some times I think it would be better if they give the people the funds to buy a trailer home. They seem to be in better condition. Many that are hired are not experts in building, electronics, or plumbing. How can we be proud? Everyone needs to express what they feel to those who sit in their plush offices, without even seen what these houses are alike. They should be ashamed!
ReplyDeleteI would like to know who among you would like to continue paying for a house that has so many deficiencies and no one pays any attention to your needs. Although, HUD continues to look the wrong way instead of correcting what needs to be fixed. How many times does HUD need to be contected before they will take action. What kind of people run this program for tribes. Are the addiction to money the only concern they have?
ReplyDeleteHUD needs to have who ever is the Inspector General audit how the funds are spent in Indian Country. Why do we as tribal members continue to sit back and take it lightly. Do you not think it is about time for those sitting at the top to be questioned about their unethical conduct. They are not different than the bankers who took advantage of those who trusted them with their money. Do these people not have a conscience or did their family taught them to be liers! and keep on pocketing what is not theirs. Why not stop the projects especially those who are not doing what they are suppose to with the funds that are suppose to benefit those who really in need of a house. Most of the hud projects have people working that are related to political officials. They are not there due to them being qualified for these positions, but because they have connections in the political arena. Why continue to waste money. Do the right thing and look into the matter of poor quality housing that do not meet ADA compliance.
ReplyDeleteI hope the american Indian Report blog will send copies of comments made by various tribal members espcially to the leaders who run the tribe, not by our choosing. Most leaders operate like gang leaders. the choosen few and they coverup for what ever mistakes they make and they definately abuse their power. Without no shame! I think they are strongly addicted to money. There office in Pheonix will not pay any attention to the complaints John B. Fernandez or Daylann Taner. They need to go and have someone else run the program. To whom do the tribes go to if these people are not paying any attention to tribal members?
ReplyDelete