An attorney in the Keepseagle case over discrimination at the Department of Agriculture expects the settlement process to take about a year.

The Obama administration agreed to pay $680 million in damages and create an $80 million loan forgiveness fund. The money will come from the federal government's Judgment Fund so the settlement won't require Congressional approval.

“We think it could be wrapped up for the most part in a year,” attorney Sarah Vogel told The Fargo Forum of the process.

Members of the class action can choose two tracks. The first track allows payments of up to $25,000 while the second caps payments at $250,000 and requires more proof of economic loss.

“It’s a historic day for us,” plaintiff Claryca Mandan told the Forum. “This has been a long battle. We feel good about the settlement.”

Get the Story:
American Indian farmers would get funds in class-action settlement (The Fargo Forum 10/21)
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DOJ, Plaintiffs Lawyers Announce $680 Million Settlement in American Indian Discrimination Suit (The National Law Journal 10/21)
Keepseagle earns settlement agreement (Indian Country Today 10/21)
USDA/Keepseagle: settlement $680 million (Delta Farm Press 10/20)

Relevant Documents:
• Plaintiffs Press Release | Settlement | Notice Form A | Notice Form B
• Damages Award | Loan Debt Relief
• Native American Farmers and Ranchers Council | Named Plaintiffs
• President Obama Statement | USDA Press Release

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