The Bureau of Indian Affairs is expected to issue decisions on three tribal groups seeking federal recognition.

Today an answer is due on the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe of Connecticut. The tribe received a negative final determination during the Clinton administration but was granted a reconsideration. The Bush administration issued a negative preliminary determination in January 2003.

Tuesday is the deadline for a final determination on two rival Nipmuc tribes from Massachusetts. Both received a negative proposed finding under the Bush administration. One major issue was that only half of the people on the membership list could not demonstrate Indian ancestry.

All three tribes have state recognition and small land bases. Officials in Massachusetts have supported the Nipmuc tribes. The state of Connecticut has been fighting the Paugussett Tribe in an out of court.

Get the Story:
Pair Of Bay State Groups Awaits BIA Recognition (AP 6/14)
Tribes Await Federal Rulings (The Hartford Courant 6/14)
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Golden Hill Tribe Vows To Press Land Claims (The New London Day 6/12)
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