Browning, MT  —May 5, 2010—  In a marathon session Friday, April 30^th, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council (BTBC) approved three major initiatives totaling $5.5 million to be paid from an upcoming oil exploration payment from Newfield Production Co.

The approved items include a $200 special per capita for all 16,500 members, initial funding for a new Browning grocery store, and over $1 million for land acquisition.  It is anticipated the $200 per capita will be paid within 60 days.  This special per capita is separate from the annual December per capita.

“This New Council understands that this is the people’s money, so we are striving to find the right balance between paying out revenues directly to members, paying down the high debt left from previous Councils, and investing in new enterprises to create jobs and generate new revenue streams,” said Chairman Willie A. Sharp, Jr.   “ We must do all three, and it is noteworthy that $3.2 million of the $5.5 million ¾about 60%¾ is going directly to members as per capitas.”

The BTBC has long seen the need for a second grocery store in Browning on the belief that competition will push down prices and enhance selection, variety, and quality.  Also, buying up fractionated land is a priority, since otherwise these lands are often of little or no utility or value to Tribal members but could be put to good use if Tribally-owned.

“I, and my fellow Councilmen, are pleased to enable a new grocery store whose mission it is to reduce the strain on household budgets and improve quality of life on the reservation through lower prices and more choices,” noted Councilman Paul McEvers.  “At the same time, we are happy to be able to put $200 in per capita money directly into member pockets at a time when many are struggling financially.”

About the Blackfeet. With 16,500 enrolled members, we are the largest Indian tribe in Montana and one of the largest tribes in the United States.  Our rugged, picturesque 1.5 million acre (3,000 square mile) reservation in Montana has a population of about 10,000, including 8,500 enrolled Blackfeet and several hundred Blackfeet descendents.   The other 7,500 Tribal members are scattered all over the world.  Our largest town and seat of government is Browning (population 3,500, including surrounding areas).  Other towns include Heart Butte, Blackfoot, Starr School, Babb, Saint Mary, Kiowa, and East Glacier. Visit our website at www.blackfeetnation.com