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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2001

Opponents of three Pequot tribes in Connecticut finally say their years of frustration and complaints about federal Indian policy are finally being heard.

They could be saying that because they've spent upwards of $2 million to fight the federal recognition of the Eastern Pequot Tribe and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribe and to mount a land-into-trust lawsuit affecting the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

They could be saying that because local officials are asking taxpayers to approve spending even more money to make sure the Mashantucket Tribe pays a dispute tax bill.

They could be saying that because litigation costs are sure to rise should the Bureau of Indian Affairs decide to recognize one or two of the Pequot tribes.

But no, they say the Bush administration's policies show they have been successful. The proposed withdrawal of land-into-trust regulations finalized by the Clinton administration and the proposed finding against recognition of the Muwekma Tribe of California are proof, they claim.

The town employs the services of Washington, DC, law firm Perkins & Coie. The firm has paid former BIA staff researchers to help fight the recognition of the two Pequot tribes.

Get the Story:
Towns see shift in policy toward tribes (The Norwich Bulletin 8/15)

Related Stories:
Land regulations delayed again (8/13)
McCaleb to listen 'closely' to recognition experts (8/9)
Supreme Court turns down Pequot land case (5/1)