Eloise Cobell - The Face of Courage
By Joan Melcher, New West Unfiltered 4-13-07
Eloise is a banker, but in her role as the plaintiff in Cobell vs. Kempthorne, she has become an educator as well. She mentioned how important it has been for her to educate people about what has happened and to encourage them to take ownership of their government and their lives. She gave a brief rundown of the early years of her struggle in the class action suit to reclaim land royalties and the various legal cases and maneuvers, painting a grim picture of the face of government she has confronted.
She noted that the Secretary of the Interior, told the court when implementing the Dawes Act of 1887, that Indians were stupid and incapable of managing their lands and so the government was going to take control. At that point the Department of Interior became the trustee for lands owned by individual Indians, responsible for paying land owners royalties on oil, grazing and timber leases. Cobell said that at a hearing last week she felt those in charge were talking to her in a similar way – more than a century later.
She talked about the weekend before she and her lawyer brought the first suit against the government in 1996 – walking down the Washington Mall and seeing all the granite buildings lining it. She said she became very frightened, and thought, “My God, Louise, you’re taking on the U.S. government.” She began to lose her confidence and called a friend, who asked her, “If you don’t do it, who will?” Indeed.
After winning several lawsuits that the U.S. government, ostensibly, has ignored, Cobell and those working with her were able to estimate what the government owes individual Indians. At the time it was about $14 billion, $176 billion including compounded interest. In 2005 they came up with a discounted figure, what she called “rough justice.” It was $27.5 billion.
Three weeks ago the administration responded, saying the government would be willing to “invest” $7 billion in payments as long as the Indians agreed not to sue again for past, present or future wrongs. Of course, that is not acceptable to Cobell. “We are in a total breach of trust,” she said. She talked of her difficulty in finding senators or congressmen who will help her because of the system of trading votes. Getting money owed Indians for a century is clearly not a top priority, but she has hopes that newly elected Senator Jon Tester will help in the struggle.
She ended by mentioning some of those who have opposed her case over the years – “a few are going to jail” – she said, adding, “When it comes to ethics, there are no gray areas. It is black or white, right or wrong. Give us justice.”
She said that justice may not come in her lifetime. Maybe it’s because I’m naturally optimistic but I’m betting on Cobell. [End of article]
i am the director of the blackfeet food bank in browning montana. i see native americans that are in poverty every day. it was people like eloise cobell that inspired me to help aur people survive when all government program money fall short at the second week of the month on the reservation. it is said that the B.I.A. is NOT the native americans best friend. if they do not have a accounts recievable in their accounting system, how in the world could the u.s.treasury department and the b.i.a. account for any money in the indian trust? could it be that all the dams and nuclier power plants was built by using the indian trust as a loan fund? could it be the b.i.a has something to hide?
Comment By Colonel Bain, 4-13-07Good article Joan..I firmly believe that the Native American Tribes have been robbed for centuries.. Can man or judges put a dollar amount on land that wealth has been and continueing to be take from?..
Eloise Cobell does have courage and she will have my prayers and support toward restoring what is right..
Like I said the "White Indian" from the BIA has much to learn..
Wompa Ahey Duammpa's AHO..CLick Click
It may be true about some mismanagement at some agencies and the past policy concerning Indian affairs but I'm very curious about the impact on the plaintiffs now stemming from the Cobell. A classic example, I hope not, of a good thing gone bad. The process time for simple transactions appears to be a long drawn out process for individual Indain owners. And with Office of Special Trustee (OST) delays have increased. The cost of this lawsuit and the impact on Indian Land owners has never been reviewed. In the end the Indian land owners suffer one way or another.
Comment By Jesse, 4-16-07eloise you should not have to take this courageous battle on yourself, why are not the weathy indian tribes helping with this battle. The choctaw and cherokee nations are 2 of the wealthiest nations. A victory would be a victory for all indians. Press on, do not tire, do not become weary. You will be victorious. Right is right, wrong is wrong. Government is no longer what it was intended to be, you no longer have a government for the people, just as eloise has said "it is a system of trading votes.
Comment By Ruth Forister, 6-28-07I just happened to tune in to Eloise's story on the TV. I was appaled at the lack or seemingly lack of concern our government has for our Native American Families. I am of European decent but I have always felt that our neighbors should not be put on the back burner, so to speak. The Native Americans have so much to offer in the way of history, tribal art, and land conservation, etc.
that they could teach us much. I applaud Eloise for her courage and conviction. The church I belong to is helping to suppost an Indian School in Oklahoma. We have families that go there every year to work, teach, and pray with the children. God Bless all of of you. I pray God will pour his blessings on you always.
Yours in Christ.