The six bands of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe can't agree how to share a $20 million settlement for the loss of their lands.

The $20 million was part of an Indian Claims Commission case. The federal government failed to compensate the bands for thousands of acres of land.

The settlement has grown to $27 million but the bands disagree on how to share the money. The four smallest bands want an equal share under H.R.3699.

But the White Earth Band says the money should go to the bands based on the size of their membership under H.R.2306. And the Leech Lake Band wants to take 69 percent, saying it lost the most valuable land.

House Natural Resources Committee heard testimony from the bands in June but lawmakers say the disagreement means the bills won't be going anywhere.

Get the Story:
Chippewa bands can't agree how to split multi-million dollar settlement (Minnesota Public Radio 7/22)

Committee Notice:
Full Committee Legislative Hearing: H.R. 2306 and H.R. 3699 (June 5, 2008)

Related Stories:
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe divided over payout (6/26)
House hearing on Minnesota Chippewa trust bill (6/5)
Witness list for House Resources hearing (6/4)
House hearing on Minnesota Chippewa trust fund (6/2)