“Human Rights Watch research found that at least US$25 million of Tribal Government expenditures from 2007 to 2014 remain unexplained,” the report reads.
Almost the whole sum was supposed to be used to provide essential services, including education, water and poverty reduction programs, according to the report.
“A small circle of political elites with stark conflicts of interest between their public responsibilities and personal interests runs the Tribal Government in an environment largely devoid of transparency,” the report said.
“It’s time to end the stonewalling and secrecy and let the truth come out about where their money has gone,” HRW business and human rights director Arvind Ganesan said in a press release.
Over 40 percent of the members the Lower Brule Sioux tribe live in poverty, lacking access to basic social services and employment.