Members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe are going homeless as a result of a multi-million dollar dispute over a failed housing development.

Bear Soldier West was built in the 1960s and was slated for demolition. But a businessman named Gary Minard persuaded the tribe to turn over the development to him for refurbishment.

Minard says he lived up to his end of the deal by remodeling 54 apartments and homes. But tribal members say he failed to account for his spending and performed shoddy work. So they sued him in tribal court for fraud.

The court ruled against Minard and has held him in contempt. But Minard says he is being targeted because he tried to evict people who weren't paying rent. He says the court refused to help him.

The tribe now says the deal has left them with $8.5 million in loans and mortgages. Meanwhile, tribal members in need of housing are living in their cars or in crowded conditions.

Get the Story:
No place to call home (The Bismarck Tribune 8/15)

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