Western Shoshone Claims Distribution Act of 2004 facts for kids
The Western Shoshone Claims Distribution Act of 2004 is a law that helped share money with the Western Shoshone people. This money came from old legal cases. The Act also created a special fund called the "Western Shoshone Educational Trust Fund." This fund helps Western Shoshone students with their education.
Money for the Western Shoshone People
This law made sure that all the money from the "Western Shoshone Judgement Funds" was given out equally to Western Shoshone members who qualified. You can find updates on how this money is being shared on the US Department of Interior: Indian Affairs website.
The money came from a legal claim made in 1951 by the Te-Mock Bands of Western Shoshone. This case finished in 1979. Neal A. McCaleb, who worked for the government, explained this. The original amount awarded was $26.1 million. This money was set aside in 1978. Later, when McCaleb spoke about it, the fund had grown to about $137 million.
Helping Western Shoshone Students
The Western Shoshone Educational Trust uses the money it earns (like interest) to help Western Shoshone members. It gives out money for school and other educational support.
A group of seven people manages this trust. Each of these people comes from a different Western Shoshone group. These groups include the Te-Moak, Duckwater, Yomba, and Ely tribes. There is also a person from the Fallon Band of Western Shoshone. Another person is from the Duck Valley Reservation Committee. The last person represents the general public and is chosen by the Secretary of the Interior.
The main money for this trust came from two awards. One award was about $823,000, given by Congress in 1992. The second award was $29,000, given in 1995. When Neal McCaleb spoke, the main part of the fund had about $754,000. The money earned from it was about $592,000.
