Who is a Class Member
Anyone who was eligible for the initial settlement in 2009. This includes anyone who held an IIM account at any point between 1985 and September 30, 2009. The claims administrator will provide the Department of Interior with a list of any deceased class members whose estate has a pending federal probate. )The Interior will respond with any closing probates and funds will be handled by the administrator.)
Settlement Amount
$21,773,438.50
Proof of Purchase
Initial forms do not require additional proof.
Claim Form
Important Dates
12/2009: Initial settlement.
11/27/2017: Claim filing deadline.
12/17/2017: Administrator provides list of deceased members with pending federal probates.
Settlement Notes
- Elouise Pepion Cobell, et al. c. Ken Salazar, et al.
- Case No. 1:96-cv-01285
- Pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
The original Cobell v. Salazar class action lawsuit was settled in December 2009 to a tune of $3.4 billion following the contention that the United States government had mishandled money owed from trust funds to various Native Americans. The case was divided into three categories: Historical Accounting, Fund Administration, and Land Administration claims.
Initial agreements resulted in class members receiving various distributions for the involvement in the settlement. Historical accounting class members were to be $1,000. Trust Administration members would receive a base payment of $500 with a ceiling for more. Finally, the United States Department of the Interior would offer fair market for land that was dissolved despite trust fund status. Claims Administrator will provide the Department of Interior a list of deceased class members who likely have a pending federal probate. Once the Interior responds, the Administrator will distribute funds in accordance with the original settlement agreement and any other orders from the court.
New motions have placed a deadline for potential class members to submit a claim and for reception. The court has already approved the transfer of $21,773,438.50 to a Remainder Account which be paid to the Indian Education Scholarship Fund. Any necessary funds may be transferred back from the account to settle plaintiff claims prior to the new deadline.
Contact Information
Indian Trust Settlement
c/o GCG
PO Box 9577
Dublin, OH 43017-4877
Phone: 1-800-961-6109
Email: info@indiantrust.com
Settlement Website