The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear the federal recognition lawsuit of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut.

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. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals said there wasn't enough evidence to support the claim.

Chief Richard Velky didn't know what the tribe would do next but told The Waterbury Republican American that "after 300 years of not being recognized, we are not going to roll over."

Get the Story:
High court turns down tribe (The Waterbury Republican American 10/6)

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

Related Stories:
Column: Schaghticoke Tribal Nation going strong after 400 years (9/27)
Supreme Court asked to hear Schaghticoke recognition lawsuit (6/29)
Court rejects Schaghticoke recognition appeal (10/20)