"How great it was to see Tex G. Hall speaking at engagements such as the National Congress of American Indians, while on Nov. 5, we people of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara nation were herded into makeshift check-out stations and told to exit and pick up our final payroll checks.

Children stood in line with their mothers and fathers, veterans and elders stood in line — they did not forget anyone. The children cried, not knowing what was taking place; women cried for their families.

Perry Brady, a well-known, respected elder and spiritual leader, stood among the people who were asked to exit.

A woman said: “I walked behind our spiritual leader. He never said a word, but it broke my heart,” and she began to cry. The people of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation witnessed an act of disrespect, calamity and sadness.

Along with more than 100 tribal members, I was terminated Nov. 3 from the Fort Berthold Housing Authority by the newly elected chairman, Hall, without notice, reason or explanation. I was hired by full-council resolution. My salary was paid by (the federal Department of) Housing and Urban Development (Native American Housing and Self Determination Act)."

Get the Story:
Lisa Finley-Deville: Tribal workers lose their jobs (The Bismarck Tribune 12/7)

Related Stories:
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation prepares for new chairman (11/16)
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation puts ax on lineal descendency (11/9)
Tex Hall wins chairmanship of Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (11/3)