Statement from the Pawnee Business Council Regarding Recent Meetings and Vendor Suspension

The Pawnee Business Council (PBC) provides the following statement to inform the citizens of the Pawnee Nation of the actions taken in recent meetings concerning matters involving two vendors, Tribuquent, LLC and TerraDAC Technologies, LLC.

Council Meetings and Deliberations

In the first of two recent meetings, the Pawnee Business Council convened to review information suggesting a potential conflict of interest involving the two above-named vendors and an official of the Pawnee Nation. After consideration of the information presented, and upon consultation with legal counsel, the PBC voted to suspend all work, communications, and transactions between the Pawnee Nation and these companies pending an internal review and confirmation by the Office of the Attorney General.

Prior to both meetings, the Vice President had submitted a resignation. At the subsequent meeting held on Tuesday, the Council considered matters relating to the Vice President. He addressed the Council directly, calling for full transparency and affirming that he has received no funds or compensation from either entity. During the Council’s deliberations, he rescinded his resignation, and the Council accepted his continued service. 

The PBC emphasizes that no individual has been absolved of responsibility at this stage, nor has any formal finding of wrongdoing been made. The Council’s intent is to ensure that the facts are fully and independently verified, and that all actions taken by the Pawnee Nation remain consistent with federal law, tribal policy, and the Nation’s ethical obligations to its citizens.

Scope of the Review

The PBC has directed that a thorough review be completed to confirm whether any actual or apparent conflict of interest exists under applicable law, including 2 C.F.R. § 200.318(c), which prohibits participation in federally funded contracting where a real or apparent conflict may be present, and Pawnee Nation Title 21, Section 110, which requires disclosure of potential conflicts prior to contract consideration.

The Office of the Attorney General will assist in reviewing relevant records and correspondence, and the results of this review will be disclosed to the appropriate federal partners in accordance with the Nation’s compliance obligations.

Commitment to Integrity and Accountability

The PBC wishes to reassure the Pawnee people that all actions taken thus far have been precautionary, not punitive. The suspension of vendor activity serves to preserve the integrity of federally funded projects and to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

The Council remains steadfast in its duty to protect the interests of the Pawnee Nation and its citizens. The PBC appreciates the professionalism and cooperation of all involved and will provide additional updates as the review progresses and as circumstances permit.

Issued by the Pawnee Business Council