An employee of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota was fired after he criticized the tribe's bison program. But a tribal executive said the termination was based on budget cuts.

Ted Siers alleged that the bison herd was being mistreated. He wants to be reinstated and transferred to another tribal department.

The health of the herd has been questioned over the past two years. Critics have said too many animals are dying and that they are being neglected. Tribal officials dispute the allegations.

The herd is culled from excess animals from the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The tribe's five-year agreement with the park is being reviewed. It was due to expire next year.

Get the Story:
Bison employee is laid off from job (The Bismarck Tribune 5/5)

Relevant Links:
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation - http://www.mhanation.com

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