Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in the Indian trust fund lawsuit, met with members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana on Monday.

Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana, asked for support for the $3.4 billion settlement to the case. She said the window of opportunity is passing for the deal.

"This is a political settlement," Cobell said, The Missoulian reported. "The federal government always said they didn't owe us any money. This would not have happened without a president who wanted it done."

The deal provides $1.4 billion in direct payments to individual Indians and it creates a $3 billion land consolidation fund. Indian landowners will be able to sell their fractionated interests, which will be returned to tribal governments.

Congress needs to approve the settlement. The next deadline in April 16.

Get the Story:
Cobell: $3.4B settlement is best Indian Country will get from government (The Missoulian 3/23)

Relevant Documents:
Agreement | Press Release | Q&A | Audio

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