The tribal plan for the distribution of almost $5,000,000 awarded to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California by the Indian Claims Commission were published in the Federal Register November 19, Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson announced today.
The award represents payment for 1,500,000 acres of land in California and Nevada taken from the Washoe Tribe more than years ago.
Before use or distribution of the judgment funds could be made, it was necessary to obtain Congressional approval of a plan for the use or distribution of the funds as required by the Act of October 19, 1973, 87 Stat. 466.
The Washoe plan, which became effective September 25, 1974, calls for a per capita distribution of 70 percent of the fund to tribal members. Ten percent of the fund is to be used for a Washoe Ranch Properties Improvement Program and 20 percent for a Washoe Investment Program.
The per capita distribution which sometimes involves lengthy determinations of the eligibility of persons seeking to qualify for a receipt of per capita payments, will be made as soon as possible.
