Welcome to our 43rd #WomanoftheWeek! Today we will be discussing Elouise Cobell, a Native American tribal leader. Enjoy!
Elouise Cobell, also known as Yellow Bird Woman, was a Native American woman known for challenging the US government’s mishandling of Native American funds. When she was a child, her uncle passed away because of a delay in the BIA’s medical money payment. The BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) handles land, money, welfare, disaster relief, and other issues for Native Americans. As Cobell was growing up, she would hear stories about money that was never received by families. This would lead to her activism and involvement in relation to the mismanagement of funds.
Cobell became the Treasurer of the Blackfoot Nation, and she would go on to create the first bank in a Native American tribe. However, arguably her biggest impact lies in the case Cobell vs Salazar. This lawsuit found the BIA guilty of mishandling Native American funds, and Cobell agreed to a $3.4 billion dollar settlement. Cobell was the lead plaintiff and raised money for her cause. This lawsuit remains one of the biggest class-action lawsuits ever filed against the United States government.
Unfortunately, Cobell passed away of cancer in 2011. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama after she had passed, so her son accepted it in honor of her. The Cobell Scholarship assists students in US Federally-Recognized tribes to get post-secondary degrees. Cobell is still remembered for her activism and bravery, as she realized Native Americans were being mistreated and did whatever she could do to ensure they were being treated fairly.
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