BIA not involved in gaming dispute within Quapaw Tribe

Wednesday, March 31, 2010  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has not asked leaders of the Quapaw Tribeof Oklahoma about a gaming dispute.

The Native American Times initially reported that the BIA wanted more information from Chairman John Berrey, Vice Chairman J.R. Matthews and Treasurer George “Ranny” McWatters by April 19. But the agency has yet to get involved, the paper said in an update.

Jim Greenfeather of the Quapaw Grievance Committee said the BIA might get involved in the future if the tribe was unable to resolve allegations against the three leaders, who serve on the Downstream Development Authority, the entity that manages the Downstream Casino Resort.

The grievance committee issued a report that said Berrey, Mathews and McWaters "personally and unjustifiably" profited from the casino. The report said the three leaders gave themselves large salaries and substantial bonuses and used tribal funds for personal expenditures and trips.

Berrey has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and untrue.

Get the Story:
Quapaw investigation: Update (The Native American Times 3/29)

Relevant Documents:
Grievance Committee Report (March 20, 2010)

Earlier Stories:
BIA asks Quapaw leaders to answer to casino allegations (3/30)
Quapaw chairman dismisses allegations in gaming report (3/29)
Quapaw leaders accused of wrongly profiting from casino (3/23)