Tributes to Elouise Cobell

Mike Mohan, publisher in Native Briefs. Discussion »

She will be Remembered

Native Brief: Grand Rapids, Michigan - Elouise Cobell, Blackfeet, passed away Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 65.

In 1996, Cobell filed an historic lawsuit against the federal government seeking justice for the government's mismanagement of 500,000 Individual Indian Trust accounts.

Tributes to Elouise Cobell are coming into the Native News Network from around the country. Here are some recent remembrances.

Tributes to Elouise Cobell

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today made the following statement regarding the passing of Elouise Cobell yesterday:

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Elouise Cobell, who dedicated her life to the betterment of Indian people. She sought justice to address historical wrongs that had weighed on our nation's conscience and was a significant force for change."

"I was honored to work personally with Elouise to reach a settlement that fairly and honorably resolves the long-standing Cobell litigation. Thanks to Elouise's leadership and unwavering focus over many years, we passed the Claims Resolution Act in 2010 and President Obama has signed it into law."

"For this monumental achievement, and for the attention she brought to the need for a just resolution, Elouise is a hero in every sense of the word. As we pause to reflect on Elouise's life and achievements, let us be inspired to do better by the first Americans, and to uphold our nation's promise of justice and opportunity for all."

Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk issued the following statement today on the passing of Elouise Cobell:

"Indian Country, as well as the entire nation, has lost a champion of human rights. Elouise Cobell battled to make our country acknowledge historical wrongdoing, and she spoke truth to power so that justice could prevail."

"She was tireless in her efforts to reach a respectable resolution to the long-standing Cobell litigation. The Claims Resolution Act of 2010, signed into law by President Obama, will forever remain a testament to her colossal feat. Through her legacy, individual Indians will have more control over their lands and many American Indian and Alaska Natives will be able to pursue higher education through the scholarship component of the settlement."

"As we take a moment to reflect upon the life of Elouise Cobell, I think of how she embodies what our nation is all about - the quest for justice and opportunity for all. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten for her strength and courage. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family and the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana."

US Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) says that Cobell was:

"truly a guiding light that will always lead the way for all Americans who fight for justice and fairness."

"Elouise's tireless leadership set this nation on a new course, and what she accomplished reminds us that any person in any part of this country has the power to stand up and right a wrong, no matter how difficult it may be, "

"We join the Blackfeet Nation and all Montanans in mourning, honoring and celebrating the life of an extraordinary Montanan. Future generations will learn about Elouise Cobell's legacy and they will be inspired to follow her lead. She will always be remembered as an American hero."

US Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) also released a statement on Cobell's passing, saying:

"Elouise Cobell was a warrior for justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a dear friend. Our state and our country are better for having known her. Mel's and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family, her friends and all those who are still waiting to receive the justice Elouise dedicated herself to. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Elouise, but we know her legacy will live on in all those inspired to carry on her work."