Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in the Indian trust fund case, has been in Australia to support Aboriginals whose wages were stolen by the government.

Aboriginals, including children, were taken from their reserves and forced to work. Their wages were handled by "protectors," but in many cases, they never saw their money.

The system lasted from 1897 until 1972, when a government official offered a "full and final" settlement of $55.6 million to the workers. Half of the survivors have refused to take the payment and are preparing lawsuits. Of those who applied for the payout, one-third were rejected because the government couldn't find documents.

"I don't see how any Australian, after listening to the stories, can feel good. It's emotionally draining," Cobell said, The Australian reported.

Get the Story:
Rough justice over stolen wages (The Australian 10/14)

Relevant Documents:
Staff Draft of Cobell Settlement Bill (Posted by ITMA)

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Statement:
INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE POSTPONES CONSIDERATION OF TRUST REFORM LEGISLATION (August 2, 2006)

Indian Trust Reform Act:
S.1439 | H.R.4322

Relevant Links:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Kempthorne - 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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