The $3.5 billion settlement to the Indian trust fund lawsuit is the "best we're going to get," lead plaintiff Elouise Cobell said.

Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana, delivered the keynote at the Tuck Native American Leadership and Economic Development Conference at Dartmouth College. She said the recession helped determine the amount of the deal.

“I think that, given the situation and the timing, that’s the best we’re going to get from the United States government,” said Cobell, The Dartmouth newspaper reported.

As originally announced, the deal provides $1.412 billion to individual Indians and creates a $2 billion land consolidation program. The plaintiffs recently agreed to shift $100 million from the land program to put more money in beneficiaries' hands.

Get the Story:
Cobell says trust funds mismanaged by government (The Dartmouth 10/18)

Cobell Settlement Documents:
Agreement | Press Release | Q&A | Audio

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