Key Deadline Approaches For Indian Farmers

 WASHINGTON  -- Key deadlines are fast approaching as the Court-ordered process of officially notifying Native American farmers and ranchers about the $760 million Keepseagle class action discrimination settlement draws to a close.

Class members' rights may be affected by the settlement even if they do not act. Over the past two months, Native American farmers and ranchers around the country received detailed information about their legal rights and options by postal mail and through print and radio notices. Those who wish to exclude themselves from or object to the settlement must do so by February 28, 2011. Those who wish to file claims for cash and loan forgiveness must register at www.IndianFarmClass.com or call 1-888-233-5506 . These claims must be filed by December 24, 2011 (unless Court action dictates a later date). The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will consider whether to grant final approval of the settlement at a hearing on April 28, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.