United States v Sioux Nation of Indians

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

In 1980, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling (formally described as United States v. Sioux Nation of Indians, 448 U.S. 371 (1980)) in which a lump of money was issued to the "Sioux Nation of Indians" as Fifth Amendment compensation in exchange for the theft of the Black Hills. They refused the money on grounds that accepting it would give validity to a sale, and several news sources have described the funds as still sitting in the Treasury, apparently accumulating interest. As recently as 2011, PBS reports that this amount is $1.3Bn. After having contacted the Treasury, they report no such funds but that I should inquire with BIA's Office of Trust Services as a potential next step.

This request is simple, and two parts. Firstly, what is the current value of these funds? Secondly, on what report or published document is this total described so that I can find the sum in future endeavors without needing to go through a FOIA process?

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Cully Williams