The first two paragraphs of an AP article by Joseph B. Frazier:
Representatives of Northwest Indian tribes from seven states are in Portland this week to seek common ground on issues affecting them, and possible infringement on tribal sovereignty by the Bureau of Indian Affairs is near the top of the list.
The Office of Special Trusts, formed five years ago to improve accountability in the BIA, is drawing much of the acrimony.
Facts:
1. It is the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (not Office of Special Trusts).
2. It was established by federal statute in 1994 (that would be 11 years ago, not five).
3. It is not part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (though both are part of the Department of the Interior).
Ernie Stensgar, president of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, said the formation of the office was announced at a meeting of tribal leaders five years ago by Interior Secretary Gale Norton with no tribal input.
Fact:
Gale Norton has been Secretary of the Interior for just four years, not five.