MAYETTA, Kan. — The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, which was forcibly removed from the Great Lakes region in the 1830s, is embroiled in controversy following plans to profit from a federal contract tied to President Trump's immigrant detention efforts.
The tribe, which comprises around 4,500 members, recently entered into a nearly $30 million contract with the federal government, intended for designing immigrant detention centers nationwide. This move has drawn severe backlash from tribal members and other Native Americans, sparking accusations of betrayal.
Tribal leaders claim they are seeking to extricate themselves from the contract as critics argue that it represents a conflict with the tribe's values and historical experiences. Tribal Chairman Joseph Zeke Rupnick emphasized the need for transparency as he navigates the fallout from the agreement.
Compounding the situation, the tribe recently terminated the economic development leaders responsible for brokering the deal, aiming to address the internal and external outrage. One tribe member expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, We are brown and they’re brown, highlighting the emotional turmoil faced by those who feel that their leadership has turned against their community.
The controversy is heightened by the historical context of Native American reservations, which are likened to detention centers. As federal funding diminishes and economic pressures escalate, tribal governments are facing challenges in aligning their business ventures with ethical considerations.
The contract has garnered criticism for its lack of competitive bidding, raising questions about government spending and transparency. As the backlash intensifies, stakeholders advocate for accountability and call for the cessation of dealings that conflict with Native American rights and dignity.
