"It’s true that $1.4 billion is a long way from $50 billion.

It’s true that $50 million to $100 million for legal fees is a chunk of change by anyone’s standards.

However, it is also true that, when it comes to matters of politics and money, timing is everything.

Now, Indian country finds itself facing a bittersweet victory of the Cobell v. Salazar settlement. In early December, lead plaintiff Elouise Cobell (Blackfeet) announced a $3.4 billion settlement of the lawsuit, which involves government mismanagement of Indian oil, gas, grazing, timber and other royalties overseen by the Interior since 1887.

Tribal leaders and others have begun posing difficult questions about the settlement, which awaits congressional approval. The latest deadline to finalize the settlement stands at April 16."

Get the Story:
Editorial: It’s time to settle Cobell (Indian Country Today 3/12)

Also Today:
Finley testifies before House committee (The Omak Chronicle 3/12)

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

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