Grist investigation reveals tribe received millions in climate funding despite disputed status

A Grist investigation found that a group claiming tribal status secured substantial climate funding, raising questions about verification processes for distributing federal climate dollars to Indigenous communities.

First covered Aug 13, 2026 · 1:40 AM PT · 1 article

Grist investigation reveals tribe received millions in climate funding despite disputed status — Image via grist.org

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1d Grist 5 takeaways from our investigation into the ‘ghost’ tribe that got millions in climate funding

Primary sources

nps.gov The Dawes Act (U.S. National Park Service)

Related coverage

1d Grist The climate movement gave this Texas tribe millions and a global platform. No one checked its story.

More coverage from around the web

texasobserver.org ‘It’s Demoralizing’: Trump’s Climate Funding Freeze Has Left Tribes and Community Groups in Limbo

narf.org 2025 Environmental Protection Climate Change News Stories, Indian Law Bulletins; National Indian Law Library, Native American Rights Fund

insideclimatenews.org Investor Nuns’ Shareholder Resolutions Aim to Stop Wall Street Financing of Fossil Fuel Development on Indigenous Lands - Inside Climate News

ehn.org Native elder from Texas fights against industrial development - EHN

insideclimatenews.org Forgotten Keepers of the Rio Grande Delta: a Native Elder Fights Fossil Fuel Companies in Texas - Inside Climate News

Appeared in: 2026-08-13 (#17)

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Grist investigation reveals tribe received millions in climate funding despite disputed status

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