Two towns in Massachusetts have joined a lawsuit challenging the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe's sovereign immunity.

Local communities say the tribe gave up its immunity by agreeing to a land settlement. But a state judge said Congress did not abrogate the tribe's rights in passing the act.

The state has intervened in the suit, which stems from a dispute over local zoning laws. The tribe contends state and local laws don't apply to the actions of the tribal government.

Get the Story:
2 towns join tribe dispute (The Cape Cod Times 2/18)

Court Decision:
Town of Aquinnah v. Gay Head Wampanoag Tribe (June 11, 2003)

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Mass. town argues for jurisdiction over tribe (7/21)
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