The Native American Law Students Association at the University of Montana handed out the first Elouise Cobell Award, Char-Koosta News reports.

The award went to Terry Payne of the Payne Financial Group. Payne was instrumental in the new Payne Family Native American Center, which houses the Elouise Cobell Land and Culture Institute in honor of the late lead plaintiff in the Indian trust fund lawsuit.

"He championed the project in 2005-06. He helped raise funds for it, and was determined to not let the project die," NALSA President Steven Small told the paper of Payne's contributions.

Payne and Cobell, who passed away in October 2011, were friends.

Get the Story:
Native American Law Student Association week honors Terry Payne (Char-Koosta News 4/25)

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