New West Blog
Interior Secretary Salazar Offends Native American Plaintiff
By Anne Medley, 3-12-09
As the government continues to bail out banks and other institutions across the country, Blackfeet tribe member Elouise Cobell is wondering why Native Americans still haven’t been paid for natural resources and other royalties overseen by the Interior Department since 1887, the AP’s Mary Clare Jalonick reports.
Cobell, the lead plaintiff in a 12-year-old, class-action Indian trust case against the U.S. government, reacted to comments made by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar this week that an upcoming federal appeal might settle matters between the two parties.
“I don’t want words that say ‘let’s resolve it,’” Cobell said. “I don’t want us Indian people to be ignored any more.”
Calling Salazar’s comments “an insult to Indian people,” Cobell called for the Department of Justice, the Office of Management and Budget and other government parts to talk directly with the plaintiffs.
To read the full AP story, click here.
Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.
Ray said: "I don't know about "taking on the railroad" , and I think Bill mis-worded the following "For years, people in central Montana have been encouraging,…
Anna Daley said: "Solid story, Jason. It's so important to have journalists, like you, who can research such an important issue and deliver an unbiased report."
Barb Wire said: "As Rusty's mother, my first impulse was to say, "that's too risky!" but I have been completely impressed with the Missoula Parkour Group. They are…
fenske said: "RUgreen writes, "I told you so two months ago--Moonlight will be shuttered just like Tamarack Resort in Idaho.There is absolutely no market for their product…