A July 31 meeting to discuss the new law requiring the distribution of a $145 million trust fund to members of the Western Shoshone Nation is drawing controversy.

A steering committee that supported the payout scheduled the meeting to inform tribal members about the law. The Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to attend to answer questions.

Leaders of the Te-Moak Tribe have questioned the BIA's involvement in the meeting, saying Western Shoshone tribes weren't consulted. The BIA responded by saying the law was meant to distribute money to individual Indians, not to the tribes.

The money stems from a judgment award for 26 million acres of land the Western Shoshone tribes lost. An estimated 6,000 people with one-fourth Western Shoshones blood will receive about $20,000 each.

Get the Story:
BIA plans to attend Shoshone gathering (The Elko Daily Free Press 7/19)

Relevant Links:
Western Shoshone Defense Project - http://www.wsdp.org

Relevant Documents:
NCAI Resolution | Senator Reid Letter

Western Shoshone Claims Distribution Act:
Bill Report | H.R.884 | S.618

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