The Bureau of Indian Affairs has assigned a team to review the federal recognition petition filed by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts.

The tribe filed a notice of its intent to petition in 1975. The petition was completed in 1996 and has been on the BIA's "ready" list since then, awaiting action.

A court case resulted in the tribe and the BIA agreeing to a timeline. A proposed finding will be issued in March 31, 2006, and a final determination will be issued by March 30, 2007.

The tribe is recognized by the state of Massachusetts. The only federally recognized tribe in the state at this time is the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe.

Get the Story:
U.S. to start review of Wampanoag bid (The Cape Cod Times 10/1)

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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