The Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe's federal recognition appeal has been given to Interior Secretary Gale Norton.

The tribe was denied recognition in a final decision by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe appealed to the Interior Board of Indian Appeals.

Last week, the IBIA ruled that it didn't have jurisdiction to consider the case, so it sent it to Norton, who has the power to order a reconsideration of the case. Most likely, she will delegate back to the assistant secretary, who could also request a reconsideration.

The tribe said the rejection of the case was not a setback. The appeal was filed only a month ago. The IBIA appeared to rule quickly while another case involving the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut has been pending for two years.

Get the Story:
Paugussett Case Sent To Interior Chief (The New London Day 10/23)
pwday
BIA rejects Paugussetts' appeal of recognition denial (AP 10/22)

Relevant Links:
Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe - http://paugussett.itgo.com
Friends of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe - http://www.paugussetts.com

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