The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island held a Day of Remembrance on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of the state's violent raid of the reservation.

"What happened last July 14 was horrible," Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas was quoted as saying. "The Narragansett Indian Nation was disrespected. No one here should have to put up with such an activity."

A reported 100 to 200 people joined the tribe for a ceremony at the smoke shop site where the raid took place. State police arrested several tribal members, including Thomas, at the site and seized tribal property.

The tribe is in court to assert its right to sell cigarettes free of state interference. A federal judge ruled against the tribe last December. The case is on appeal to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral arguments are set for September.

Get the Story:
Tribe marks one year since smoke-shop raid (The Providence Journal 7/15)
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Tribe Marks Anniversary Of Smoke Shop Raid (Turn to 10 News 7/14)
Narragansetts marking smoke-shop raid (AP 7/14)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org
Smoke Shop Showdown - http://www.projo.com/extra/2003/smokeshop

Related Stories:
Narragansett Tribe to mark anniversary of raid (7/13)