Six more elders of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts died last year without seeing their federal recognition acted upon.

Of the tribe's 1,468, 360 are over the age of 55. They have been a key source of information for the tribe's case. Some elders who were interviewed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs have since passed on.

As a result of litigation, the BIA is set to make a preliminary determination on the tribe by March 31. Tribal leaders and elders are confident they will get a positive decision. A final answer is due March 2007.

Get the Story:
Tribe honors elders' legacy (The Cape Cod Times 2/20)

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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