The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its federal recognition lawsuit.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs initially backed the tribe by relying, in part, on the state's continuous recognition of the Schaghticokes. The agency reversed course after a challenge from the state of Connecticut.

The tribe accused state officials of improperly lobbying the Bush administration to overturn the decision. But the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals said there wasn't enough evidence to support the claim.

The tribe filed its petition on May 21. The federal government declined to file a response, according to the docket sheet.

Get the Story:
Schaghticoke case in hands of U.S. Supreme Court (The Waterbury Republican-American 6/29)

2nd Circuit Decision:
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation v. Kempthorne (October 19. 2009)

Related Stories:
Court rejects Schaghticoke recognition appeal (10/20)