Chippewa, U.S. House settle on land sale

The U.S. House has approved a $28 million settlement with Minnesota's Chippewa tribe.

Tribe members will each receive $300 and each of the tribe's six bands will receive $3 million.

The settlement has its origins in a land sale the federal government made back in 1889.

The money was not awarded to the tribe until 1999 but a dispute between the bands prevented the settlement from being paid out.

Seventh District Congressman Collin Peterson said the legislation was needed because the tribe couldn't agree.

"I think it's high time that this settlement is finally distributed and put to work within these communities," Peterson said. "The sooner we resolve this issue the sooner these funds can be released and go to work."

Eighth District Congressman Chip Cravaack also worked on the bill and negotiated with the tribes. A companion bill sponsored by U.S. Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar is working its way through the Senate.