Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson announced today that a plan for the use of approximately $750,000 awarded by the Indian Claims Commission to the Zia, Jemez and Santa Ana Pueblos is being published in the Federal Register. The award represents payment for land in central New Mexico taken from the Pueblos from 1905 to 1936.
According to the plan, approved by Congress and made effective June 17, 1975, the funds will be equally divided between the three Pueblos.
There will be no per capita payments to individuals in any of the three Pueblos. Rather the funds will be invested by the tribal governing bodies for social and economic development purposes, including the acquisition of land.
The plan permits the use of principal funds, as well as investment income, for tribal purposes.
