In an interview (on air right now) with NPR’s Diane Rehm, Elouise Cobell is one of the guests to discuss the $3.4 billion settlement of the Indian trust fund suit. Cobell, of the Blackfeet Nation, talked about the settlement. And she described the outcome like this: “It’s like riding into the Cavalry and coming out alive.” Cobell is back in Montana after being in Washington, D.C. for the settlement announcement this week.
Other guests on the Diane Rehm show include Dennis Gingold, lead attorney in the suit that was first filed in 1996. Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma also a guest, as well as Interior Department representative Dan Hayes. The Indian trust funds have been mismanaged since 1887.
Congress still has to approve the settlement. Cobell is optimistic that Congress will do so because many people are now working together to end the suit. Cobell credits a new presidential administration for finally addressing the issue. More information on the settlement can be found at the Cobell Settlement Web site.
Jodi Rave