Tribal Trust Funds are the result of annual disbursement funds generated from gaming and are invested for Tribe minors and incarcerated Tribal members. Tribal Trust Fund accounts for minors are invested as a whole by an outside firm in a variety of venues that garner a much higher percentage of interest for the individual account holders. For protection purposes, the firm only uses reliable, government-backed investments, as it is the Tribe’s intent to protect the integrity of each account.

Tribal Trust Fund accounts are updated on a quarterly basis by the investment firm. Each account is credited with the interest money that has accrued over the prior three month period (quarter). Tribal Trust Fund accounts for Tribal members who have officially requested the release according to program guidelines will be processed accordingly:

• The quarter’s end of March 31st
• June 30th
• September 30th
• December 31st

The checks are cut by the Trust Company on or around the 25th of the month following the end of the quarter (depending on whether the 25th falls on a weekend), and are mailed out soon thereafter.

The Tribal member is required to complete and submit a Minor Trust Fund Release Request (see below) to the Cow Creek Government Office prior to the end of the quarter that they turn 18 years of age and wish to have their check released. Tribal funds may be left in the account after a person turns 18, but future annual distribution checks will not be added. Requests for the release of trust funds is presented to the Tribal Board of Directors. Trust Fund checks are sent via certified mail to the Tribal member as per the address listed.

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Minor Trust Fund Release Request Form

Trust Fund checks are subject to income tax. Usually in February, but no later than March 15th, each account holder who has withdrawn their funds during the prior year will receive a K-1 form in the mail. This form contains the information regarding your trust fund that is necessary when filing an income tax return.

For further information regarding this program, please contact the Assistant to the Board of Directors at 541.672.9405.