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A rally of tribal members who have sought by petition the other half of a $193 million settlement with the United States government, will be held at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Colville Tribal Administration building Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Yvonne Swan, coordinator/moderator, said that members of the group plan to appear before the Colville Business Council on Thursday.

Swan said over 2,700 Tribal members have signed the petition.

The Tribes received the one time $193 million payment for the mismanagement of tribal natural resources.

The council has already indicated that it plans to use the second half of the settlement dollars for tribal programs.

Initially, the Business Council set aside 20% of the settlement for per-capita payment, and then after a petition with some 3,500 names was presented to council, members agreed to pay Tribal members another 30% of the settlement.

Now a number of Tribal members are asking the council to pay the other half in a final per-capita payment.

Members of the current group have rallied before the offices of the Business Council since October.

Swan stated the event Wednesday will open with drumming and singing, a prayer, and a press conference. The rally will follow.

Speakers during the press conference will include elders, and former Business Council members who have been advising the group, Swan stated.

During the rally members will convey messages from elders and other Tribal members who are unable to attend.

The rally will close around noon with drums and songs, Swan stated.