Indianz.Com > Indian Gaming

Colin McEnroe: Schaghticoke Tribal Nation loses in new casino fight

The Schaghticokes are a real Native American tribe, recognized by the state. In modern times, they have nursed two hopes: a) that the white man will learn to spell and pronounce their name; and b) that the federal government will recognize them. This would uplift their spirits and validate years of painful struggle. I think that's basically it. Oh yes, they would also be entitled to a casino.

In 2004, the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation won federal recognition from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, whereupon a group of well-connected people began kicking and punching this idea as if it were an unusually resilient zombie. Their names were Richard Blumenthal, Nancy Johnson, Chris Shays, Rob Simmons, Jodi Rell and, yes, Joe Lieberman. There were public hearings and closed-door meetings. There were threats; there was cajolery. After 18 months, the poor Schaghticokes were derecognized.

Last year, the BIA issued another ruling saying that, once a tribe has been denied recognition, it cannot re-petition. It turns out that "Schaghticoke," loosely translated, means "more permanently screwed than you can possibly imagine."

Among the people responsible for the pitiless extinguishing of the Schaghticokes' hopes and dreams was Joe Lieberman, so it totally makes sense that they hired him.