U.S. Department of Justice seeks interns to help radiation victims

SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Justice Department is seeking Native American interns to help cancer victims in their tribes to file for compensation if they lived downwind from atomic tests or worked in the uranium industry.

Such compensation was allowed for downwinders and uranium industry workers by the 1990 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, pushed by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and former Rep. Wayne Owens, D-Utah.

However, the Justice Department said it has found that culture, tradition and customs sometimes present special concerns for Native American claimants that may make it tougher for them to file successful claims. The internship program is intended to conduct intensive outreach to educate tribal members about possible compensation.

"In addition to helping us reach those Cold War patriots who are suffering and are entitled to compensation, this internship program will provide much needed summer jobs to bright students looking for an opportunity to serve," said Tony West, assistant attorney general for Justice's Civil Division.

He added, "The RECA program is an important part of the attorney general's commitment to this administration's work in strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship with tribal governments."

More information about applying for the internships is available by calling 202-616-4304, or online at www.justice.gov/civil/Employment.htm.

The RECA internship will be based in the Four Corners region, and will include a two-week training program in Washington, D.C. The program will cover all travel costs, room and board, and include a small stipend to cover incidental expenses.

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