The newly recognized Schaghticoke Tribal Nation is considering additional land claims in Connecticut in hopes of forcing the state to negotiate for a casino.

The tribe already has a 2,000-acre claim for land around its reservation. A federal judge had put the suit on hold pending resolution of the tribe's federal recognition petition.

Now that the Bureau of Indian Affairs has decided in the tribe's favor, the claim can go forward. But the tribe says it is willing to hold off for gaming rights.

Just don't count attorney general Richard Blumenthal to come to the table. The only way he will negotiate is if he is forced to, he said.

Get the Story:
Showdown Looms on Tribe's Recognition (The New York Times 1/31)
pwnyt
Casino Battle Taking Shape (The Hartford Courant 1/31)
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Mixed reviews on recognizing Schaghticokes (The Connecticut Post 1/31)
Schaghticokes hit the jackpot (The Connecticut Post 1/31)
Prayers answered; Indians celebrate (The Connecticut Post 1/31)
Tribes running casinos congratulate Schaghticokes (The Connecticut Post 1/31)

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

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

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