A federal judge in Connecticut says the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation doesn't qualify for federal recognition.

Judge Peter C. Dorsey rejected the tribe's claims that politics influenced the Bush administration's reversal of the tribe's status. He said the Bureau of Indian Affairs properly determined the tribe didn't satisfy all of the criteria for recognition.

The tribe had won a favorable decision in January 2004 but an appeal from the state of Connecticut forced the BIA to reconsider. Jim Cason, a Bush appointee at the Interior Department, issued a revised decision against the tribe in October 2005.

Get the Story:
Schaghticoke lose legal appeal (The Waterbury Republican-American 8/27)
Ruling Hurts Tribe's Bid For Federal Recognition (The Hartford Courant 8/27)
pwday
Court rejects appeal of recognition decision (AP 8/26)

Related Stories:
Schaghticoke chief seeks meeting with Bush (4/25)