Facebook Twitter Email
SEPTEMBER 22, 2000

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the lawyer for the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe say US District Judge Peter C. Dorsey doesn't have the authority to decide if the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation should be federally recognized.

In the Hartford Courant, Blumenthal said Dorsey's decision to take up the matter raises a "serious constitutional issue." Michael O'Connell, the Paugussett's lawyer, was more direct and told The New London Day that "[j]udges cannot grant federal recognition of the Schaghticoke" tribe.

O'Connell's client has been blasted by the Schaghticoke tribe, who have accused the Paugussett of stealing their ancestors and submitting them to the BIA as part of their recognition petition.

Courts in the past have decided if a tribe is an Indian tribe within the meaning of federal law. Last week, Dorsey decided to rule on the Schaghticoke's status, saying the BIA has taken too long to issue a finding.

Get the Story:
Court to rule on recognition (Tribal Law 9/21)
Issues Raised In Tribal Recognition Case (The Harford Courant 9/22)
Schagticoke ruling may have broad impact (The New London Day 9/22)

Relevant Links:
The US District Court for the District of Connecticut - www.ctd.uscourts.gov

Related Stories:
Schaghticoke denied (Tribal Law 08/07)
Schaghticoke change mind on Appalachian Trail (Tribal Law 07/03)
Schaghticoke free to close Appalachian Trail (Tribal Law 06/29)
Schaghticoke may close Appalachian Trail (Tribal Law 06/28)

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition (Tribal Law 5/17)