Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in the Indian trust fund lawsuit, wants to settle the case for $27.5 billion but is open to "other avenues" of payment, Reuters reports.

Cobell said the settlement could include a time-payment plan or the return of land and other assets. "We're not going to roll over and play dead any more," she tells Reuters.

Cobell and a coalition of tribal leaders and Indian organization proposed the $27.5 billion as part of a set of 50 principles to settle the case and guide trust reform efforts. The figure has been called too high by some key members of Congress.

Get the Story:
Indian woman leads multibillion fight against U.S (Reuters 9/14)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Office of Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm

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