Connecticut attorney Richard Blumenthal is again criticizing the Bureau of Indian Affairs for its decision to recognize the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.

Blumenthal says the decision wasn't based on the law but on politics. He says BIA deputy Aurene Martin was wrong to rely on state recognition to boost the tribe's petition.

The BIA issued a final determination to recognize the tribe in January. The determination reversed a negative finding.

The state is filing its challenge of the decision with the Department of Interior's Board of Indian Appeals.

Get the Story:
State's Tone Sharp In Fight Vs. Tribe (The Hartford Courant 5/4)
pwpwd
Blumenthal Appeals Schaghticoke Decision (The New London Day 5/4)
pwday

Relevant Documents:
State Appeal Documents | Federal Register Notice

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

Related Stories:
Blumenthal criticized for 'all-out war' on tribes (04/30)
Inspector general investigates Schaghticoke decision (04/23)
BIA official warns of Congressional maneuvering (04/16)
Lawmakers calm down after another Norton meet (04/02)
Norton called ignorant on federal recognition (03/31)
Investors spending millions on tribal recognition (03/29)
Conn. AG promises long fight against tribes (03/25)
Editorial: Recognition of Conn. tribes without merit (03/18)
Norton meets with Conn. AG over tribal recognition (03/18)
Norton urged to probe BIA recognition decision (3/17)
Report: Martin bent rules to recognize Conn. tribe (3/12)
Subway founder continues backing of Conn. tribe (3/4)
Conn. lawmakers press BIA on recognition decision (2/20)
Founder of Subway bankrolled Schaghticoke Tribe (02/13)
GAO asked to investigate Schaghticoke recognition (02/09)
Towns to join state in tribal recognition appeal (2/4)
Schaghticoke Tribe considering more land claims (02/02)
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation: 'Today is our day' (1/30)
Officials in Conn. to fight tribe's recognition (1/30)
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)