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DECEMBER 14, 2000

Adding yet another delay to the potential federal recognition of two Nipmuc Tribes, Kevin Gover on Wednesday recused himself from the decision making process.

The head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs had been prepared to issue preliminary findings on the two Massachusetts-based tribes on Friday. An original ruling had been expected on November 30, but was held up due to an internal review at the Department of Interior.

Yesterday, Gover added to their wait by stepping out of the process because he may work for a law firm with connections to one of the tribes. Gover plans on leaving the Bureau before the inauguration of Texas Governor George W. Bush and may return to his previous career as an Indian law practitioner.

Gover has recused himself on similar grounds in the past. Before he entered the BIA in 1997, he provided legal representation for the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, a state-recognized Connecticut tribe who have been seeking federal acknowledgment since 1982.

But two of the most controversial decisions Gover made this year also have had some calling for him to recuse himself. Officials in Connecticut believe his decision to extend preliminary recognition to the Eastern Pequot and Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribes paves the way for a positive review of the Paugussett Tribe.

Since the BIA denied the tribe recognition three times, they charge that Gover is using his position to advocate for his former client. The Department of Interior, however, has said Gover won't recuse himself from the Pequot decision. A public comment period on the two tribes ends in March.

The Nipmuc Tribe filed its intent to petition for federal acknowledgment in 1980. But the Chaubunagungamaug band split off from the tribe in 1996. The Bureau is evaluating its petition and the Hassanamisco band separately and may choose to recognize one, neither, or both.

Related Stories:
Nipmuc Tribes asked to wait (Tribal Law 11/30)
Recognition bills crowd Congress (Tribal Law 11/29)
Recognition on Nipmucs due soon (Tribal Law 11/24)
Little Shell ask for extension (Tribal Law 10/30)
Decisions put Gover in the middle (Tribal Law 08/16)
Little Shell finding a departure (Tribal Law 08/16)

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