Officials in Connecticut said they would fight the Bureau of Indian Affairs' decision to recognize the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.

State attorney general Richard Blumenthal will lead the challenge, first through the Department of Interior's Indian Board of Indian Appeals. He said he would go to the courts if necessary. Gov. John Rowland (R) said he supports an appeal.

Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), an opponent of expanded gaming, said the BIA decision was wrong. He said he would work with Blumenthal on an appeal.

Aurene Martin, the principal assistant secretary, signed the final determination to recognize the tribe. She reversed a proposed finding that was issued by her former boss, Neal McCaleb.

Get the Story:
Federal OK could lead to a casino (The New Haven Register 1/30)
Schaghticokes gain recognition; Tribe celebrates, but with caution (The Record-Journal 1/30)
U.S. Agency Recognizes a Fourth Tribe in Connecticut (The New York Times 1/30)
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A Nation Once Again (The Hartford Courant 1/30)
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Schaghticokes Receive Federal Recognition (The New London Day 1/30)
Local tribes applaud BIA decision (The Norwich Bulletin 1/30)
State tribe awarded key to possible casino (Gannett News Service 1/30)
BIA grants recognition to Schaghticoke tribe (AP 1/29)
Schaghticokes Gain Federal Recognition; Fairfield County Casino Possible (The Westport News 1/29)
Schaghticoke tribe given federal recognition (WTNH 1/29)

Relevant Documents:
BIA Federal Register Notice | Richard Blumenthal Statement | Rep. Shays Statement

Relevant Links:
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation - http://www.schaghticoke.com

Related Stories:
Recognition decision expected for Schaghticoke Tribe (1/26)
BIA asked to reconsider tribe's membership roll (12/05)
Conn. AG wants to break court agreement with BIA (11/12)
Tribe seeking recognition purges membership rolls (10/13)
State recognized tribe allowed to sue in Conn. (07/22)
Conn. court upholds jurisdiction over tribe (05/13)
Schaghticoke chief disputes state jurisdiction (01/17)
McCaleb 'throwing away a history of people' (12/06)
Schaghticoke Tribe denied recognition (12/5)
Lawmakers attempt to thwart recognition (12/5)
Conn. tribe awaits recognition ruling (12/4)
Recognition decision expected this week (12/2)
McCaleb plans to issue recognition ruling (11/26)
McCaleb ruling holds promise for state tribes (06/25)
McCaleb makes recognition history (6/25)
BIA project consumes recognition resources (06/12)
BIA recognition staff fails pressure test (05/31)
State challenges Schaghticoke Tribe (04/19)
Tribe's recognition delayed (02/20)
Conn. tribe waiting on recognition (01/23)