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Tuesday, December 2, 2003

The Snohomish Tribe of Washington says it deserves status as a federally recognized tribe even though some members joined another tribe. But the Bureau of Indian Affairs on Monday rejected the tribe's petition.

Snohomish ancestors signed the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott. Some descendants ended up on the Tulalip Reservation, where several tribes were grouped together by the federal government.

But others didn't join and are waiting for a final decision from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Tulalip Tribes have submitted information in opposition to the Snohomish. Bill Matheson, chairman of the Snohomish Tribe, says the Tulalips are motivated by greed and fear a loss of fishing rights.

The tribe was first denied recognition in a preliminary decision in 1983. Matheson said a lawsuit is possible.

Get the Story:
Snohomish Indians denied status as a tribe (The Everett Herald 12/2)
U.S. won't recognize the Snohomish as tribe (The Seattle Times 12/2)
Snohomish Tribe turned down in new bid for federal recognition (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 12/2)
Snohomish to learn their fate as a tribe soon (The Everett Herald 12/1)

Related Stories:
Snohomish Tribe waits for answer on recognition (11/26)

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