Coach at Marty Indian School Allegedly Linked to Sexual Abuse, Grooming, and Corruption in Tribal Education Grants

The community urges federal oversight, audits of grant funds, and removal of accused individuals to protect students and restore trust.

December 1, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 1, 2026

A growing coalition of parents, advocates, former students, and community members is calling for immediate intervention at Marty Indian School (MIS) following a flood of allegations of sexual abuse, grooming, misconduct, and corruption in tribal education grants.

The concerns—raised publicly by advocate Tracii Barse—have intensified pressure on school leadership, tribal officials, and federal agencies to act.

Barse says multiple survivors, parents, and staff members submitted mandatory reports documenting alleged misconduct by certain coaches, school personnel, and administrators.

According to her, these reports include allegations of: “Sexual abuse of students,” “Grooming and inappropriate relationships,” “Distribution of the plant-based stimulant mambe to students and staff,” “Nepotism within grant-funded programs,” “Mishandled or missing education grant funds,” “Office misconduct and conflicts of interest.”

Despite these filings, Barse asserts that no meaningful action has been taken by tribal leadership, the school board, or relevant oversight committees, including the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s BCC. Meetings have allegedly been postponed, blocked, or kept off the agenda.

“We advocates, survivors, parents, and even some staff followed the chain of command. We did everything correctly. Still nothing,” Barse .

The allegations have created confusion, fear, and frustration within the community. Barse says families no longer know who to trust, noting that some individuals praised as helpers in one situation are accused of wrongdoing in another.

“I’m confused because within this huge mess there are multiple allegations of statutory rape, grooming, and distributing controlled substances to staff and teenagers,” she said.

Barse points to nepotism, religious favoritism, and political alliances as factors preventing action.

She also claims that certain MIS social media pages have blocked community voices, limiting transparency.

Advocates argue that the alleged sexual abuse and misconduct are intertwined with concerns about tribal education grant mismanagement.

According to Barse, some individuals in control of grant funds have retained their positions despite filed complaints.

She claims that promised programs, resources, and student services—outlined in grant applications—never materialized once funds were secured.

Students reportedly saw opportunities discussed openly but never implemented.

“These current grant functions need to be halted and audited now,” Barse insisted.

Barse emphasized that many students at MIS rely heavily on the school for stability, support, and mentorship.

She says some students lack basic necessities at home and depend on teachers, coaches, cooks, and counselors as trusted adults.

“There are students who survived sexual abuse and grooming. Others survived losing grant-funded resources that could have helped them,” she wrote.

The community is now pushing for decisive steps, including: “Removal of accused individuals pending investigation,” “suspension or audit of grant-funded operations,” “independent review of past and present complaints,” “greater transparency from school administration and tribal officials,” “protection for survivors who come forward.”

Barse confirmed that she is already communicating with BIE (Bureau of Indian Education) and BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) regarding the allegations.

Advocates are preparing a public protest at Marty Indian School on April 27, coinciding with a scheduled visit from BIE inspectors.

Barse says the goal is not to shut down the school permanently but to demand accountability while protecting students.

“We want these issues fixed, cleaned up, and addressed,” she said.

Barse says her future posts will include more details, concerns, and documents.

She encourages parents, staff, and former students to come forward with information and stand with the Oyate as they push for transparency.

“This is about the kids. They deserve safety, dignity, and real leadership,” she said. “We will continue until accountability happens.”

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