History of the Trust
Introduction
On November 29, 1864, “certain bands” of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians, men, women and children camping under the promised protection of the United States Flag and a white flag were attacked and massacred by the United States Army. The incident was quickly recognized as a national disgrace and investigated and condemned by two congressional committees and a military commission.
On October 14,1865, the United States government entered into the treaty with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Article six of the treaty was specifically executed to benefit the men, woman and children, who were victims of the massacre. Article six (6) like Article five (5) of the treaty contained specific language that excluded the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes as a whole; 1.) Article V, grants lands patent to certain persons (non-Indians husbands and wives), one section of six hundred and forty acres each, (this promise was fulfilled). 2.) Article VI, grants land patents, securities, animals, goods and provisions to amend for the massacre of the individual members of “Certain Bands” who suffered in the Sand Creek massacre on November 29, 1864. (these treaty promise are not fulfilled). 1866, research indicates that monies was allegedly appropriated for the Sand Creek descendants by the 39th Congress. The appropriation of $39,050.00 was allegedly paid to reimburse members of the “Certain Bands” of Arapaho and Cheyenne Indians who suffered at Sand Creek, on November 29, 1864. However, documents confirm that these monies were never distributed to the individuals, but to a small group of tribal leaders who requested the goods be given to them, neither the land, securities, animals, goods, nor the provisions, were ever delivered to the individuals who suffered at the Sand Creek Massacre.
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