Rep. Mike Thompson (D-California) took pains to avoid mentioning the Mishewal Wappo Tribe by name during a hearing on federal recognition on Tuesday.

Thompson used the term "particular tribe" twice when asking Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, about a lawsuit in federal court. However, he did mention Napa and Sonoma counties by name even though they have been removed from the case.

Thompson further asked Washburn to provide the names of the tribal members who are involved in the suit. He insinuated that the plaintiffs might be a "beard" for an unidentified group that wants to "get in the community for other reasons."

He did not elaborate on what he meant by "other reasons" although the counties have raised concerns about gaming if the tribe is restored to federal recognition. His comments can be found at the beginning of the "Q&A Part 4" audio file.

The tribe was listed for termination by an act of Congress in 1959. The lawsuit claims the process wasn't carried out lawfully.

The tribe and the Obama administration were in settlement talks but they failed to reach an agreement. A federal judge could determine whether the tribe should regain its federal status.

Get the Story:
Thompson asks for vigilance in Wappo case (The Napa Valley Register 3/20)

Committee Notice:
Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs Oversight Hearing on "Authorization, standards, and procedures for whether, how, and when Indian tribes should be newly recognized by the federal government: Perspective of the Department of the Interior" (March 19, 2013)

Related Stories:
County lobbies BIA against Mishewal Wappo Tribe recognition (11/16)
Opinion: Don't fight Mishewal Wappo Tribe's federal recognition (11/13)
Mishewal Wappo Tribe aims to regain federal status and land (10/30)
County seeks to rejoin Mishewal Wappo Tribe recognition case (10/17)