Quapaw Tribe seeks help from Congress in settling trust lawsuit

Friday, June 1, 2012  

The Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma is asking Congress for help in settling its trust lawsuit.

The tribe is accusing the federal government of being in breach of trust and of mismanaging its trust assets. A bill that was just introduced in the House refers the dispute to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

"The case to be heard is a tragic story of the United States failing the tribe and its members," Chairman John Berrey said in a press release. "We have damage claims against the United States dating to the early 20th century for mismanagement of trust funds and other trust assets and resources."

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) and Rep. Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma) introduced H.Res.668 to refer the tribe's claims to the court. A hearing is expected before the House Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.

Cole and Boren are also sponsoring H.R.5862. The bill appropriates a settlement to the tribe that is based on the outcome of the court case.

“This legislation will ensure that the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma and its citizens will have an opportunity to present their claims in court," Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation said. "It is important that courts have the opportunity to evaluate all claims concerning trust accounts and my legislation will further that goal.”