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der=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=100%> Schaghticoke seek recognition
MAY 19, 2000

Mashantucket. Mohegan. Eastern Pequot. Paugussett.

These are some of the tribes who have historically resided in Connecticut. If you haven't been keeping track, get ready to add yet another to the list, the Schaghticoke.

The Schaghticoke are the latest in a series of Connecticut tribes seeking federal recognition. They've just headed to court in order to force the BIA to consider their petition along with the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe.

They say the Paugussett are stealing away their ancestors and want the BIA to review their petition in order to resolve to resolve their claims.

In 1996, the Paugussett were denied federal recognition. But the tribe appealed and in 1999, the BIA ordered that they be reconsidered due to several outstanding issues that arose during the recognition process.

The Schaghticoke is also planning another court battle. The tribe filed suit earlier this month against the Connecticut Light and Power Company and the US government for 148 acres of land located next to their reservation in Kent.

They claim the land was transferred without federal approval, a violation of the 1790 Non-Intercourse Act.

The Schaghticoke have about 300 members and are led by Chief Richard Velky. Their reservation was created by the Connecticut Assembly in 1736.

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Tribal Law Focus: Federal Recognition