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MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2002

"Opening arguments were heard this week in the U.S. Supreme Court for two cases involving Indian Nations that many inside Indian law circles believe will make or break all other cases concerning the trust relationship between the federal government and tribal governments.

U.S. attorneys argued that the government's trust relationship with tribes is different than a private trustee's relationship with beneficiaries and that the secretary had acted within the law . .

They are seeking once again to cut the Indians off at the pass.

So other than the millions of dollars at stake, there is a much larger issue concerning the trust relationship that the government owes Indian tribes. The very foundation of Indian law and Indian rights is based on the notion that the government is supposed to protect the best interests of Indians. The government is arguing that even if they fail to meet this obligation, they don't owe Indians any money."

Get the Story:
Harlan McKosato: Supreme Court's Rulings on Trust Cases Could Change Indian Law (The Santa Fe New Mexican 12/8)

Today on Indianz.Com:
Norton attacks 'unfit' trustee ruling

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
White Mountain Apache Tribe - http://www.wmat.nsn.us
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

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