Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Blackfeet Activist Elouise Cobell To Receive Posthumous Medal Of Freedom

A memorial honoring Elouise Cobell displayed at the University of Montana's Elouise Cobell Land and Culture Institute.
Cole Grant
/
Montana Public Radio
A memorial honoring Eloise Cobell displayed at the University of Montana's Eloise Cobell Land and Culture Institute.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Blackfeet woman who led a 15-year legal fight against the federal government over mismanagement of Indian trust funds will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation's highest civilian honor.

President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced 21 recipients who will be honored at the White House next Tuesday, including the late Elouise Cobell.

In addition to the lawsuit that ended with a $3.4 billion settlement, Cobell was a rancher who helped found Native American Bank. She died in October 2011 due to complications from cancer. She was 65.

Turk Cobell issued a statement Wednesday saying he was grateful to President Obama for honoring his mother and noted she would consider the medal an award for all Native Americans.

Crow tribal historian Joseph Medicine Crow received the Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2009.

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content