Chief George Wickliffe of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians hopes Congress acts soon to settle the Indian trust fund lawsuit.

Wickliffe discussed the case at the 38th Annual Symposium on the American Indian at Northeastern State University. He said Judge James Robertson won't wait much longer for Congress to approve the settlement.

“The federal judge that granted it said this would be the final extension. The agreement has been reached, it’s just that Congress has to appropriate the money,” said Wickliffe, The Tahlequah Daily Press reported.

The $3.4 billion settlement includes $1.412 billion in payments to Indian beneficiaries and a $2 billion Indian land consolidation program. Some of the money, up to $60 million, will be used for an Indian scholarship fund.

President Barack Obama has asked Congress to fund the settlement twice since December. The most recent request was transmitted on February 12.

Get the Story:
Trust suit settlement proceeding — slowly (The Tahlequah Daily Press 4/15)

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

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