A judge in Canada has ordered the government to return $360 million in oil and gas royalties to the Samson Cree First Nation of Alberta.

The money is at the heart of a $1.4 billion mismanagement lawsuit. The Samson Cree say the government squandered their assets over the past 50 years.

The judge said he wants the money returned to the tribe as soon as possible but that tribal members must agree to accept it. A final ruling in the case is expected in several months.

Get the Story:
Judge orders compensation for Samson Cree (CBC 12/17)
Return oil, gas royalties to native band, judge says (The Globe and Mail 12/18)
Cree to discuss windfall (The Edmonton Sun 12/19)

Relevant Links:
Buffalo v. The Queen, case information - http://www.samsoncree.org
Samson Cree Nation - http://www.samsoncreenation.com

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Canada PM ordered to testify in mismanagement case (12/05)