The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut wants to know if a high-powered lobbying firm has been contacting the Interior Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Bradley Blakeman of the Barbour, Griffith & Rogers firm was hired by a group called Take Action to Save Kent to oppose the tribe's recognition. TASK says Blakeman, a Bush-Cheney backer who once worked in the White House, hasn't contacted BIA on its behalf.

But the tribe isn't convinced, saying a local town official who is under a court order not to contact BIA without the knowledge of all parties has been involved with TASK. Kent Selectman Nancy O'Dea Wyrick acknowledges being a part of the group but resigned last month after Blakeman was hired. She says she had no input into his selection.

Get the Story:
The Schaghticoke Tribe Trolling for Violations (The Litchfield County Times 2/25)

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database (July 2004)

Relevant Links:
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation - http://www.schaghticoke.com
Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decisions - http://www.ibiadecisions.com

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