The following is a statement from Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan).

The passing of Elouise Cobell is a great loss for the Blackfeet Nation, Native Americans and our country as a whole. Elouise was the representation of courage, fearlessly taking on the United States government for the historic mismanagement of Indian trust assets. For fifteen long years Elouise fought to settle the Cobell litigation, finally achieving some justice for the Indian people with the largest government class-action settlement in history. This historic achievement helped turn the page on a sad chapter of federal-Native American relations.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Elouise Cobell, to the Blackfeet Nation, to the Native American community and to everyone else who she touched. As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate her life and let her achievements inspire us to continue the fight for justice.