Distribution of $1.9 billion in tribal coronavirus relief funds sparks federal lawsuit, protest

Controversy is stirring in Oklahoma Indian country over decisions made regarding the distribution of about $1.9 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds designated for 38 Oklahoma tribes.

The Shawnee Tribe, which is headquartered in Miami, filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday, alleging the tribe was shortchanged about $6 million in CARES ACT relief funds.

The federal treasury based its distribution on a database that erroneously listed the Shawnee Tribe's tribal enrollment as zero when it actually has 3,021 tribal citizens, the lawsuit states.

https://oklahoman.com/article/5665061/distribution-of-19-billion-in-tribal-coronavirus-relief-funds-sparks-federal-lawsuit-protest