The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals heard the first appeal of the $3.4 billion Cobell trust fund settlement on Thursday.

The appeal was filed by Kimberly Craven, an outspoken critic of the settlement. She has not opted out of the $3.4 billion deal, which provides $1.412 billion to Indian beneficiaries and creates at $1.9 billion land consolidation program.

Craven's attorney, Ted Frank of the Center for Class Action Fairness, questioned whether the settlement was fair to all Indian beneficiaries. Most will receive a $1,000 payment although some will receive more, depending on the activity in his or her trust fund account.

The DC Circuit will hear another appeal on May 15. The challenges have delayed distribution of the settlement funds.

Get the Story:
D.C. Circuit Examines $3.4B Settlement In Native American Trust Case (The Blog of Legal Times 2/16)
First Cobell Settlement Appeal Heard (Indian Country Today 2/16)

Related Stories:
DC Circuit set to hear first of challenges to Cobell settlement (02/07)