Elouise Cobell, the lead plaintiff Indian trust fund lawsuit, spoke at the University of Montana on Wednesday.

Cobell, who filed the lawsuit in June 1996, urged students to stand up for their beliefs. "Do something," she said, The Missoulian reported. "You don't have to do anything that they'll throw you in jail or anything. Stand up for your rights."

After hundreds of court hearing and numerous appeals, Cobell and the Obama administration reached a settlement in December 2009. The deal provides $1.5 billion in direct payments to Indian beneficiaries and creates a $1.9 billion fund to buy land from willing account holders.

Cobell said the first round of $1,000 checks should be distributed sometime this fall. Another round of payments -- at least $800, but more for many account holders -- will probably be made in spring 2012.

"I know it sounds like a long time, but people have been patient for a very long time," said Cobell, the Missoulian reported. "It's sad. Every day that an elder passes on, it hurts me because they died without their restitution."

Get the Story:
Elouise Cobell tells students trust case's lesson: 'Stand up for your rights' (The Missoulian 3/24)
Speaker remembers historic lawsuit (The Montana Kaimin 3/24)
Elouise Cobell Speaks To UM Students, Staff About Landmark Settlement (NBC Montana 3/23)

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