The United Houma Nation of Louisiana is still waiting for a final answer on its bid for federal recognition.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs ruled against the tribe in 1994 but the tribe appealed. After sending a rebuttal letter to the BIA in 1997, the tribe says it hasn't seen any progress.

"There have been a number of excuses -- the presidential election, a new Interior Department head, tribes in California and in Connecticut are receiving recognition first. It's frustrating for us," Principal Chief Brenda Dardar Robichaux told The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

The BIA is also being asked to rule on two groups that broke off from the Houma Nation after the 1994 denial of federal status.

Get the Story:
Houmas' appeal for recognition stalled (The New Orleans Times-Picayune 7/12)

Relevant Links:
United Houma Nation - http://www.unitedhoumanation.org/indexhome.htm