The Department of Interior's Inspector General has interviewed Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal and at least one local official as part of its probe into the recognition of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.

The state contends lobbying and gaming money influence recognition decisions at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Blumenthal claims the investigation will examine the influence of lobbyists.

In January, principal deputy assistant secretary Aurene Martin issued a final determination to recognize the tribe, reversing an earlier negative proposed finding. She did so by relying on the state's historic recognition of the tribe to patch up holes in the record.

At a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Martin said she has been delegated all federal recognition duties. She said assistant secretary Dave Anderson recused himself due to his past involvement with gaming and casino companies.

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Indian Affairs Decision On Schaghticokes Probed (The Hartford Courant 4/23)
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