New Jersey tribes closer to state recognition
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) signed an executive order on Wednesday that moves tribes closer to state recognition.

The New Jersey Commission on American Indian Affairs will recommend legislation to recognize three tribes. The commission will also look at other ways to protect tribal rights and cultural sites.

"Native Americans are a part of New Jersey’s history and cultural fabric," Corzine said in a statement.

The commission issued a report in December 2007 in response to issued raised by tribes following the fatal shooting of a tribal member by state park police.

Get the Story:
Order gives native groups some breaks (The Newark Star-Ledger 10/2)
Corzine backs rights for American Indian tribes (Gannett News Service 10/2)

NJ Report:
New Jersey Committee on Native American Community Affairs Report (December 19, 2007)

Related Stories:
Report finds poor treatment of New Jersey Indians (12/20)