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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2002

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on Thursday asked the Department of Interior to overturn the federal recognition bids of two Pequot tribes in the state.

In a letter to Inspector General Earl Devaney, Blumenthal said a recent internal investigation proved the Eastern Pequot Tribe and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribe are not worthy of federal status. Former Assistant Secretary Kevin Gover extended preliminary recognition to the tribes over the objection of staff.

The tribes say the report shows no evidence of wrongdoing on behalf of the tribes' petitions. The Eastern Paucatuck Tribe criticized the investigation because the department didn't contact representatives.

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut and its gaming partner Trading Cove Associates also said they weren't interviewed. Part of the report looks into the tribe's consulting agreement which was found in line with federal law.

Get the Story:
BIA asked to revoke recognition (The Norwich Bulletin 3/8)
Paucatucks say they weren’t contacted in probe of federal recognition (The New London Day 3/8)
Report hits Mohegan Sun deal (The Boston Globe 3/8)

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Sharon Blackwell leaving BIA (2/27)
Gover: Recognition study 'cooked' (11/1)
Changes to gaming law sought (6/19)
Trust land decision called sneaky (2/5)
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