Mark Fox, the chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, made headlines when he purchased an $843,000 house in Las Vegas’ upscale Summerlin community in the fall of 2023. This move raised eyebrows as his tribal government had recently spent over $100 million on land purchases along the Strip, sparking controversy back home in North Dakota.
Fox’s new two-story abode, nestled near Charleston Boulevard and Desert Foothills Drive, boasts over 2,500 square feet of luxury living space. Complete with a pool, hot tub, and stunning mountain and Strip views from the balcony, the property stands as a testament to opulence. The gourmet kitchen, adorned with black-granite countertops and marble-tile backsplash, showcases the elegance that Fox sought in his Las Vegas retreat.
The purchase price far exceeded the median price of homes in Southern Nevada, signaling Fox’s taste for the finer things. The seller, Teresa McCormick, described him as a “really nice guy” but kept mum on how he financed the purchase. Despite numerous attempts by the Las Vegas Review-Journal to interview Fox, he remained elusive, only offering a statement through an external communications firm.
Fox defended his purchase, claiming it was made through the tribe’s mortgage program open to all tribal members, himself included. He emphasized that he was diligently meeting his loan obligations and was treated no differently than any other tribal member. This explanation came amid criticism of the tribe’s lavish spending on Las Vegas real estate without clear plans or public votes.
The Three Affiliated Tribes, also known as the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, made waves with their $115 million acquisition of 23 acres along the Strip, sparking discontent among some tribal members. The lack of focus on essential needs back home led to protests and calls for fiscal responsibility from dissatisfied constituents like Carol Good Bear.
Despite the backlash, Fox defended the tribe’s investments in Las Vegas, citing economic opportunities and potential returns that would benefit the community. His vision included developing a resort or selling the land to generate revenue for essential services.
The tribal mortgage program, currently serving around 450 members, facilitated Fox’s home purchase in Las Vegas. He closed the deal in November 2023, with the Tribal Business Council approving the transaction, allowing him to transfer ownership to the tribe upon completion. However, records show Fox still holds ownership of the property under his name.
MHA Nation’s foray into Las Vegas real estate began in 2020 with an $12 million land purchase, followed by acquisitions of neighboring sites, including the former Route 91 Harvest festival grounds and the White Sands Motel site. These purchases aimed at expanding the tribe’s footprint in the city and diversifying their investment portfolio.
Despite the tribe’s ambitious real estate ventures, challenges arose, such as the unauthorized demolition of the White Sands Motel structure, leading to a notice of violation from the Clark County Building Department. Fox assured that corrective measures were being taken by a licensed contractor, although details surrounding the demolition remained unclear.
As the saga of tribal investments in Las Vegas unfolds, questions linger about the future of these properties and the impact on MHA Nation’s financial well-being. Fox’s dual roles as tribal leader and property owner underscore the complexities of balancing economic growth with accountability to the community.
For inquiries or further information, contact Eli Segall at esegall@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0342.
