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MARCH 15, 2001

The Bureau of Indian Affairs will continue to recognize tribes unless Congress passes a law otherwise, said a spokesman on Wednesday.

The BIA has recognized tribes throughout its history but official regulations were instituted in 1978. A number of bills have sought to remove that power, including one sponsored by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo), but none have been enacted.

Congress can also recognize tribes in addition to the the President, by executive order, and the courts.

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BIA to continue tribal recognition (AP 3/15)