After 30 years of waiting, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is near an answer on its federal status.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is preparing a preliminary determination on the tribe's recognition bid. It will be ready by March, although a consultant for the tribe, who used to work for the BIA, says he doesn't think the deadline will be met.

The move came as a result of litigation the tribe filed. But tribal leaders -- backed by a gaming developer -- also hired Jack Abramoff's lobbying firm to press their case among members of Congress. Two associates, including who refused to testify before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, who have since left the firm represented the tribe.

Some tribal members worry the connection to Abramoff will hurt their petition. But tribal leaders have defended the decision to increase their presence in Washington.

Get the Story:
D.C. specialist finds recognition likely (The Cape Cod Times 1/13)
Tribe meets the face of recognition (The Cape Cod Times 1/13)
Cape Cod Indians Worry Abramoff Link May Hurt Casino Chances (Bloomberg News 1/12)

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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