"The alleged bilking of Native American tribes by a slick Washington lobbyist hired to promote their gaming interests can't compare to the Indian monies lost by the federal government. The dubious dealings of lobbyist Jack Abramoff cost several tribes a fraction of the sum squandered by America's mismanagement of tribal lands. In the same week congressional investigators were identifying Mr. Abramoff's misdeeds, a group of Native American leaders was offering a solution to their long-standing dispute over remuneration for use of Indian lands.

The principles outlined by the Indian coalition should be the starting point for settling the 9-year-old court case and correcting the incompetence that led to it. Sens. John McCain and Byron L. Dorgan, who requested the principles, should shepherd a compromise through the Congress and end a century-old injustice. The lawmakers wanted Indian leaders to speak with one voice on a possible solution to this case, and they have."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Settling accounts (The Baltimore Sun 6/30)
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Relevant Documents:
Trust Reform and Cobell Settlement Workgroup Principles for Legislation (June 2005)

Relevant Links:
National Congress of American Indians - http://www.ncai.org
Intertribal Trust Fund Monitoring Association - http://www.itmatrustfunds.org
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov

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