Elouise Cobell '100 Years' documentary premieres in Washington

Friday, March 17, 2017  

A critically-acclaimed and award-winning documentary about the late Elouise Cobell is premiering in Washington, D.C.

Cobell was a citizen of the Blackfeet Nation who sued the federal government for failing to account for the trust funds of individual Indians for more than a century. Her three-decade struggle is the subject of 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice, which is being screened at the National Museum of the American Indian on Saturday evening.

Following the screening, director Melinda Janko will participate in a discussion with attorneys Keith Harper, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and John Echohawk, a citizen of the Pawnee Nation. Both helped Cobell file the lawsuit, which was the largest class action ever against the federal government, in June 1996.

The Obama administration settled the case in December 2009 for $3.4 billion, the largest settlement of its kind. Cobell died in October 2011, before the deal was completely finalized in the court system.

Song from Elouise Cobell documentary on shortlist for Oscar nod (12/14)
Editorial: Our nation is better off thanks to the late Elouise Cobell (11/21)
White House honors the late Elouise Cobell with Medal of Freedom (11/16)
Harlan McKosato: Film pays tribute to 'warrior' Elouise Cobell (10/26)
Review: Elouise Cobell and her battle for justice in '100 Years' (10/11)
Review: 'Inspiring' documentary about Elouise Cobell's battle (09/26)
Film about Elouise Cobell's long 'fight for justice' set for fall release (09/06)
Interior Department sends more money for Cobell scholarships (07/20)
Elouise Cobell being considered for Presidential Medal of Freedom (05/05)
Sen. Tester eyes Presidential Medal of Freedom for Elouise Cobell (03/22)
Cobell plaintiffs offer update on distribution of settlement funds (01/06)
Montana governor proclaims November 5 as Elouise Cobell Day (11/06)
Bill to create day to honor late Elouise Cobell stalls in Montana (02/25)