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MONDAY, JULY 21, 2003

The former lawyer for the Blackfeet Nation of Montana is going public about the tribe's use of a workers' compensation program to pay other tribal expenses.

In The Great Falls Tribune, Joe McKay says he uncovered problems after the tribe was served with a federal subpoena about the program. He says tribal leaders could be sent to jail for diverting more than $2.89 million from the fund, of which $1 million has been repaid.

"The federal government could come in now as we sit here and walk into the Blackfeet Reservation and say, 'Write us a check for $1.9 million or start putting on these striped uniforms,'" McKay told the paper.

McKay was fired last month by the tribal council, which alleged he violated attorney-client privilege by informing others of the alleged mismanagement. The council also cited a lawsuit he filed against the tribal appeals court.

McKay has been performing legal services for Blackfeet chairman Earl Old Person as part of the Cobell suit. McKay's name appeared on court documents and he talked to the press about the case on behalf of Old Person, who was removed as a lead plaintiff earlier this year.

Get the Story:
Lawyer: Tribe spent funds improperly (The Great Falls Tribune 7/20)

Relevant Links:
Blackfeet Nation - http://www.blackfeetnation.com

Related Stories:
Blackfeet leaders call for separation of powers (05/05)
Blackfeet tribal court hears leadership dispute (04/03)
Judge removes lead plaintiff from Cobell case (03/10)