Thousands of American Indians are now in line to receive part of a $ 3.4 billion settlement with the federal government , ending a long-running dispute over government mismanagement of tribal lands and accounts . thousands of Indians Indians sued the government for financial mismanagement . Under the finalized settlement , $ 1.5 billion will be distributed among individuals . Another $ 1.5 billion will go toward buying some American ' slivers of land . Elouise Cobell says the settlement clears `` the way for reconciliation ''
thousands of Indians Indians sued the government for financial mismanagement . Under the finalized settlement , $ 1.5 billion will be distributed among individuals . Another $ 1.5 billion will go toward buying some American ' slivers of land . Elouise Cobell says the settlement clears `` the way for reconciliation ''