The Abenaki Nation of Vermont will ask the state for money to continue its federal recognition bid.

Chief April St. Francis Merrill says the tribe deserves the same amount of money that state attorney general William Sorrell to oppose the tribe's recognition. She estimated that Sorrell has spent $400,000 but he claims it was only $86,800.

Merrill said the tribe only has about $5,000 to its name, making it difficult to find a lawyer or researchers to help with the petition. Other tribes have spent millions on their applications.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a proposed finding against the tribe. The tribe has 180 days to provide its comments.

Get the Story:
Abenaki to continue fight for recognition (AP 11/15)
Abenaki chief blasts AG for opposing federal recognition bid (The Burlington Free Press 11/15)

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

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

Relevant Links:
Abenaki Nation - http://www.abenakination.org

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