As we celebrate Thanksgiving, now is an appropriate time to highlight the recent $760 million settlement in the class action lawsuit, Keepseagle v. Vilsack, which claimed the USDA discriminated against Native Americans who tried to get farm loans or loan servicing in the period between January 1, 1981 and November 24, 1999.
As with many class action lawsuits, especially those affecting rural populations, those who may qualify for compensation may not know that a settlement has finally been reached, or even that the lawsuit has been in progress for years. A notification program using Native American media, mainstream radio and internet will occur over the next couple of months. Thereafter, once the Court grants final approval to the Settlement, meetings will be set up across the country to help people file claims.
You can give new meaning to your own Thanksgiving this year by helping to notify Native American farmers and ranchers who may be eligible for a claim. To learn more, please visit www.IndianFarmClass.com or call toll-free at 1-888-233-5506. Or simply call or email the Farm Aid hotline at 1-800-FARM-AID or farmhelp@farmaid.org and we’ll share the relevant info and put you in touch with help.
