Colville Tribal Members Want Say in What Happens with $193 Million Settlement

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

NESPELEM, WASHINGTON – Colville tribal members will spend their weekend to rally at an outdoor encampment on the baseball field at the Colville Indian agency campus. Many Tribal members share valid concerns and strong opinions regarding the recent $193 million settlement between the United States government and the Colville Business Council over federal mismanagement of land and resources on the Colville Reservation.

Rally Saturday, June 9

Tribal elders from across the reservation and outlying areas have mandated this gathering out of concern that members are being disrespected and misrepresented by elected tribal leaders. Members were put at a disadvantage because vital information was given out at hastily called district meetings, following the February announcement of the historic settlement agreement.

“Rumors and piece-meal information is not acceptable regarding this and other important matters pertaining to the Colville tribal membership.”

Said Yvonne Swan.

"The 14 member Council was well within its duties and obligations when it filed a claim on behalf of the 9,000 plus tribal members against the United States for violation of federal trust responsibility in 2005, and for seeing it through to final settlement. However, the Council should have stopped there and allowed for en masse consultation with the people as to what was to be done with the monetary settlement, rather than go to the press and announce it was giving the membership 20 percent of the claim."

Swan continued.

Discussion will begin at 12 noon Saturday, June 9, in preparation for a future meeting with the Colville Business Council. This rally will continue throughout the day and into Sunday.

Members are encouraged to bring camping equipment and extra chairs, and food to share with those who are experiencing financial hardship.

posted June 8, 2012 10:30 am edt