Opponents of the way tribes are federally recognized say their lobbying of the Bureau of Indian Affairs is working.

Politicians and anti-casino advocates in Connecticut claim the BIA is corrupt. But they say they support the agency's recent decisions to deny recognition to three New England tribes, including one in Connecticut.

Others don't see the situation the same way. "A tribe fails and the system works?" Eastern Pequot Chairwoman Marcia Flowers said to the New London Day. "A tribe gains recognition and the system is broken?"

The BIA issued a final determination in favor of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation. The state is appealing the decision.

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BIA Decisions Please State Officials (The New London Day 6/24)
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