The state of New York will develop its own state recognition process under legislation that was introduced last week.

S5894-2011 requires the state to use the same criteria developed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. "THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHALL UTILIZE THE MANDATORY CRITERIA FOR FEDERAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT PROVIDED FOR IN 25 CFR SECTION 83.7 TO EVALUATE THE DOCUMENTED PETITION," according to the bill.

The bill also requires the state to evaluate a petition submitted by the Montaukett Indian Nation. The tribe was declared "disintegrated" by a 1910 state court decision.

"We have only asked to be acknowledged as a New York State indigneous group and with that acknowledgment obtain the use of part of our former territory to open a cultural and research center dedicated to sharing the rich history of a Long Island Algonquian people with all who are interested," Sachem Robert Pharaoh said on the tribe's web site.

The tribe is based on Long Island and filed a petition with the BIA in 1995. The effort hasn't moved forward in the past decade.

Get the Story:
Bill would reverse Montaukett Indians' status (Newsday 10/4)

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Montaukett Nation moving toward state recognition in New York (09/20)