WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior announced a distribution of nearly $66 million in May to tribal beneficiaries at Fort Berthold in North Dakota, which the Department described as a record-high payout as it works to address the probate backlog.
“Each completed case delivers answers, upholds responsibilities and ensures tribal beneficiaries receive what is owed to them with transparency, dignity and respect,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who called the distribution historic and said it surpasses prior payouts..
“This distribution represents more than a financial milestone,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland. “It reflects the ongoing work to ensure families receive what they are due through a clear, respectful and timely probate process.”
Improvements across Interior strengthened coordination between the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration and the Land Titles and Records Office, leveraging automation to move cases forward more efficiently while maintaining accuracy and due care.
The Office of Hearings and Appeals and Indian Affairs within Interior closed a record number of 379 probate cases nationwide in May. In addition to those at Fort Berthold, this included families living in Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma and other tribal communities across Indian Country.
The Bureau of Trust Funds Administration will notify account holders whose distributions are included in this action and provide guidance regarding access to funds.
