Interior Department probate surge returns $28 million to tribal beneficiaries
Probate cases completed through a Fort Berthold surge event distributed funds to tribal beneficiaries, according to the Department of the Interior
The Department of the Interior announced May 22 that $28 million was distributed to tribal beneficiaries following the completion of probate cases through the Office of Hearings and Appeals after a probate surge event at the Fort Berthold Agency in North Dakota.
According to an Interior press release, the Indian Affairs Probate Strike Team worked with the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration and the Land Titles and Records Office to complete the cases. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the distributions reflect the department’s commitment to tribal beneficiaries and trust responsibilities. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland said improved coordination and systems helped move cases forward. The Fort Berthold Agency serves the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes.
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