The following is an update on the status of the Western Shoshone Distribution Money:

Western Shoshone Update October 28, 2011

The target date for the final per capita payment for the Western Shoshone Judgment Fund has been changed from December 31, 2011 to June 5, 2012. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) does not anticipate extending the target date beyond June 5, 2012. The June 5, 2012 target date is based on the time required for the BIA to conduct quality assurance (QA) reviews on 5,790 applications and process any appeals stemming from the review of those applications. We estimate that the QA reviews will be completed by the end of March 2012 and all appeals decided by the end of May 2012. This rigorous review process will ensure compliance with the Western Shoshone Judgment Act of July 7, 2004.

In conducting the QA reviews, the BIA staff is finding that some applications have incomplete and (or) incorrect documentation. To ensure that applicants are 1⁄4 Western Shoshone, we need birth and death certificates to trace the family to an ancestor who is on the base roll. If the documentation is incomplete, the BIA staff writes letters or makes telephone calls to applicants. In addition, we call applicants for court orders for adoptions, name changes and powers of attorney. The BIA staff also reviews all applications to ensure that applicants have not received other aboriginal land judgment awards.

Listed below is information that we may need from some applicants:

1. Social Security numbers for children: It is important to submit a copy of a Social Security card for all minor applicants (children under the age of 18).
2. Change of Address: A written request to update your address must be submitted to our office (see address below). Please include your old address, your new address and your signature.
3. Bank account information if you choose direct deposit in lieu of a Treasury check: A written letter is required that informs us of your bank routing number and account number (a voided check that matches your name as it appears on your application will be accepted). We cannot accept bank account information by telephone calls.
4. Probate: The per capita payments for those eligible applicants, who were living on July 7, 2004 but are since deceased, will be placed in Individual Indian Monies estate accounts. These accounts will then go through the BIA probate process with the eligible heirs determined by an Administrative Law Judge. The Western Shoshone Project Office will work with the BIA’s Probate Office for a probate hearing. Those families affected will be notified and given guidance on the probate process.

If information is requested from applicants, they should submit copies of all required documents to: Western Shoshone Project, Post Office Box 3838, Phoenix, Arizona 85030 or fax it to our office at (602) 253-4520. If you have any questions, please call the Western Shoshone Project Office at (602) 253- 0024.

Below are links to some of the historical documents from 1928. Some were from the 1930's. These documents are from the archives in Washington DC. Not all of the people listed below are Timbisha tribal members, but are from the area.