Interior Secretary Gale Norton is being asked to investigate why the Bureau of Indian Affairs agreed to recognize the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut.

Members of Connecticut's Congressional delegation cited an internal BIA memo which said the tribe did not meet all criteria for federal status. But Aurene Martin, then the acting assistant secretary, ruled in favor of the tribe by using the state's recognition as a substitute for the lack of evidence.

The letter sent to Norton accused the BIA of ignoring regulations and precedent.

Get the Story:
Delegation urges BIA probe (The Norwich Bulletin 3/17)

Relevant Documents:
Federal Register Notice | BIA Statement | Richard Blumenthal Statement | Rep. Shays Statement

Relevant Links:
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation - http://www.schaghticoke.com

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