Date of fire: April 29, 2015 (west of Community Hall)
Zaza Pulido (Hall) – “owner”
House built in 1996 – 19 years later burns in a fire.

The questions here are who owned the house, who insured it, who is responsible for the fix. You might remember a story I did here some months ago about native ownership of homes and land on “Indian Reserves” – not the same as ‘fee simple’ on this side of the cattle guard.

I will call her Zaza Hall as she is not with her husband. She is actually living with her mother at a brother’s “Coyote” – until all the ownership and fix issues are settled. A picture below shows a new look to the outside of the burnt home but the inside has not be repaired/restored to the satisfaction of the “owner”.

Ownership and who is responsible for insurance and the fix becomes a big question – not settled in anyone’s mind.

Chief and council want Zaza Hall to pay for the repairs – Hall says, despite paying off the loan on the house, ownership has never legally passed to her. Hall says all payments made to the Band but legal title (CP certificate of property never given to her).

The rub then – why is there no meeting of the minds – is there a reason for competent lawyers to fight it out. The band says they accepted their responsibility and were prepared to fix the house but want compensation for reasons – known to them.

ODN has talked to the band leadership and is reticent at any time to interfere in local politics and reserve governance.

This case is interesting to me anyway because it reflects on DIA supervision, OIB governance and OUR lack of interest and education in matters we heavily subsidize.

Restoration of outside completed by Sunrise Restorations

The fighter – Zaza Hall. Not giving up. Says legal advice is being sought.

ODN invites Chief and council to clarify any issue that is raised by this story.