The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is presenting proof of its membership as it seeks to gain federal recognition.

The tribe closed the rolls several years ago in order to make a stronger case for recognition, tribal genealogist Patricia Oakley said. Only the children of current tribal members who are under the age of 1 are being accepted.

If the tribe gains recognition, Oakley said the rolls will be reopened. A member must have an ancestor on an 1860 census that was taken by the state and published in 1861. A member must also maintain active ties to the tribal community.

The BIA has assigned a team to consider the tribe's petition. A proposed finding will be issued in March 31, 2006, and a final determination will be issued by March 30, 2007.

Get the Story:
To be a Wampanoag (The Cape Cod Times 10/11)

Relevant Documents:
Summary of Acknowledgment Cases | R. Lee Fleming Declaration

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - http://mashpeewampanoagtribe.com

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