Markey: Obama Tribal Trust Settlements Resolve Historical Mismanagement of Tribal Resources, Lands

Markey: Obama Tribal Trust Settlements Resolve Historical Mismanagement of Tribal Resources, Lands

WASHINGTON (April 11, 2012) – The Obama administration has helped to right historical wrongs with dozens of tribes by settling cases over government mismanagement of tribal resources and lands, Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said today. Rep. Markey, who is the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement about the $1 billion settlement between the U.S. government and more than 40 tribes:

“For decades, the United States government mismanaged and mishandled tribal lands and resources. And while one day does not undo decades of disregard, today’s action by the Obama administration sets a new, more trustworthy path between our government that is meant to serve all of America’s people, and the tribes who represent our past and are part of our future."

“While she is no longer with us to see this day, Elouise Cobell’s family should be proud of her trailblazing leadership that helped establish justice for dozens of tribes.”