Another step in the action of the federated Colville Indian tribes to recover approximately $20,000,000 from the government in payment for lands of which they allege they were unlawfully deprived was taken in superior court here today when the tribesmen officially retained attorney William S. Lewis of Spokane and James Lynch of Toroda to represent them in their suit.
The Colvilles stipulate that under a treaty negotiated in 1855 by Governor Stevens they are entitled to lands extending along both sides of the Columbia River from the summit of the Cascades to the summit of the Pend Oreilles. The eight tribes which now make up the federated Colvilles claim they removed to their present confines following the agreement negotiated with Governor Stevens and that they received no compensation for the vacated lands.
EIGHT TRIBES
The eight tribes include the Colvilles, Lakes, Incheliums, San Poils, Nespelems, Moses Columbias, Okanogans, Nez Perces and a few unorganized Spokanes. Twelve signatures of tribal representatives were attached to the agreement signed before Judge Bruce Blake in superior court today. Superintendent O.C. Upchurch of the Colville Reservation accompanied the delegation to Spokane and assisted in negotiating the agreement retaining counsel to represent the tribes.
Representatives from the eastern district of the reservation were James Bernard, chairman; Aleck Covington, Little Aleck, Victor Nicholas, Peter Noyes, and Tom Adolph. The western district was represented by Joe Moses, chairman; Peter Dan, Nespelem George, Andrew Markane, Antoine Gua, and Jim James. Peter Noyes is secretary of the federated tribes.
Attorney's fees of $2,000 is authorized and the legal representatives also will be paid 10 percent of whatever amount is recovered by the action up to $25,000, according to the contract.
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