What is the Indian Claims Commission?
The Indian Claims Commission (ICC) is a United States government organization that was created in 1946 to resolve claims of Native Americans against the U.S. government. The Commission was established as part of the Indian Claims Commission Act, which also authorized the payment of up to $50 million in claims. The ICC is focused on addressing longstanding conflicts between Native Americans and the U.S. government that go back to the early days of colonization. It is responsible for considering cases in which Native American tribes have alleged that the United States has violated treaties, or wrongfully taken land. The ICC can hear cases from all federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States. The ICC is located in Washington, D.C., and is staffed by members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The ICC is divided into two divisions, the Northern and Southern divisions. Each division is responsible for resolving claims from tribes within its respective region. The Commission has three members: a chairman appointed by the U.S. President, and two members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. The Commission has the authority to award damages up to the amount of the claim, and to transfer land and tribal rights to the tribe. The ICC considers cases that involve land, water, natural resources, and tribal government rights and jurisdictions. The Commission has the power to hear cases relating to claims against the U.S. government for monetary and land taking damages, as well as cases related to tribal rights and obligations. It can also hear cases brought by tribes alleging violation of their treaty rights. The Commission has the authority to award damages, transfer lands and tribal rights, and issue orders for the remedy of injustice done to a tribe.
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