"A story periodically appears on news wires that�s full of questions about the federal government�s stewardship over money due American Indians for oil, gas, coal, grazing and timber royalties collected on their behalf.

The story hasn�t commanded much attention but it should. It�s about being upfront with America�s oldest minority group and giving them what they may be owed.

The Indians have been trying to get an accurate accounting about the royalties since filing their class-action suit on behalf of 500,000 account holders in 1996, but nine years and two presidential administrations later, they haven�t gotten an answer. They believe that over time they�ve been shortchanged by more than $100 billion."

Get the Story:
Editorial: A frustrating tale of non-accountability (The Nashua Telegram 9/21)

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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