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May 23, 2012

Court Upholds $3.4 Billion Settlement over Native American Land Trusts 
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A federal appeals court has upheld a settlement in a disputed
class-action lawsuit over federal mismanagement of Native American land
trusts dating back to the 19th century. Under the deal, the Interior
Department would pay $3.4 billion to settle claims by more than 300,000
Native Americans for unpaid royalties on seized lands. The settlement is
a fraction of the estimated $176 billion Native Americans have
maintained they are owed. Kimberly Craven, a class member in the case,
had brought the court challenge, claiming the settlement was
insufficient. But on Tuesday, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of
Appeals rejected Craven's effort and upheld the agreement.

 

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