Law | National

Native Sun News: Additional funds coming from Keepseagle case

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

The Knife Chief Bison Pasture on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Photo by Lakota Lands Recovery Project

Keepseagle claimants to receive additional $21,275
Registration for grants open May 25 to June 24
By Ernestine Chasing Hawk
Native Sun News Editor
www.nsweekly.com

PORTLAND, Ore. –– Parties in the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement reached an agreement which will provide original claimants a supplemental payment of $18,500 directly and $2,775 paid to the IRS on their behalf, for a total supplemental award of $21,275.

Class Council also announced a onetime distribution of $38 million in competitive grants through the Native American Agricultural Fast Track Fund (NAAFTF) to “non-profit organizations, tribal programs and educational institutions which provide agricultural, business, technical or advocacy services to existing and aspiring Native American farmers and ranchers.”

The NAAFTF award process begins with a one-month period for letters of intent applications to be submitted to determine eligibility (after review, eligible applicants will be invited to submit full proposals)

Registration for the NAAFTF grants begins May 25 at 12:00 p.m. MDT. Applicants must submit a letter-of-intent application no later than Friday, June 24, 2016, by 5:00 p.m. MDT. Technical assistance relating strictly to the application process will be available by dedicated phone and email contacts.

“Among the far-reaching benefits of the Keepseagle settlement is the means for organizations which have a track record of supporting Native American farmers and ranchers to deliver valuable assistance to promote their continued engagement in agriculture -- an important component of the economy in Indian Country,” said Joseph M. Sellers, lead counsel for the plaintiff class. “The Fast Track Fund will make vital resources available to these important efforts by the end of this year.”