The Western Shoshone National Council has filed another lawsuit over a $145 million trust payout.

The lawsuit seeks a determination that accepting the money will not affect the 1863 Treaty of Ruby Valley. Under the treaty, Western Shoshone activists say they have rights to 26 million acres that were never legally taken from them.

The trust payout stems from an Indian Claims Commission award for the loss of the 26 million acres. Federal law requires that eligible Western Shoshones receive a portion of the funds.

The Western Shoshone National Council previously filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of the law.

Get the Story:
Tribal leader wants federal court to define money, land rights (AP 11/22)

Relevant Links:
Western Shoshone Defense Project - http://www.wsdp.org

Western Shoshone Claims Distribution Act:
Bill Report | H.R.884 | S.618

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