Judge Approves $3.4 Billion in Indian Royalties Settlement

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Monday approved a $3.4 billion settlement over mismanaged Indian royalties in a case that represents the largest settlement ever approved against the United States government.

Elouise Cobell of Browning, Mont., claimed in the 15-year-old suit that for more than a century, federal officials systematically stole or squandered billions in royalties intended for American Indians in exchange for oil, gas, grazing and other leases.

A federal district judge, Thomas F. Hogan, said in approving the settlement that the legitimacy of the claims could not be questioned.

The settlement does not make up for the losses tribes suffered for more than a century, but hundreds of thousands of Indians will receive at least $1,000 each from the government. Many will receive substantially more money.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/us/politics/21indian.html

them on oil revenues?