Cuch said the tribe is currently facing a shortage in assistance money, funds used to help tribal members travel for medical care or to meet other needs. The money Natchees, Arrowchis and Jenks spent could have been put to good use helping those in need, she said.

In past years, outgoing Business Committee members have been given Pendleton blankets in recognition of their service, Cuch said. But the decision to purchase those blankets, which cost an average of $200, depending on size and design, rests with the newly elected tribal leadership, not the departing members.

Curtis Cesspooch was sworn into office in May and replaced Natchees as the Business Committee's chairman. He agreed that the ousted members' actions were inconsistent with established tribal practices.

"They gave themselves going-away gifts," Cesspooch said. "I was on the council before and all I got was a card from the secretaries when I left."

Efforts to contact Natchees, Arrowchis and Jenks for comment about the parting gifts were unsuccessful. Jensen did return a call for comment but did not leave a phone number where he could be reached.

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E-mail: geoff@ubstandard.com