Leaders of two Connecticut tribes seeking federal recognition are worried about the constant turnover at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Two assistant secretaries have resigned in the past three years. No replacement has been named in over a year.

"Look at the people who have left. The DOI has been under siege. There's no doubt about it," Marcia Jones Flowers, the chairwoman of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, told The New London Day. Richard Velky, the chairman of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, said political pressures are affecting federal recognition.

Federal recognition matters are being handled by Jim Cason, the associate deputy secretary of the Interior. After being given the job, he told a House subcommittee that he wasn't "well informed" on the subject.

Get the Story:
Tribes Say Parade Of Interior Appointees Hurts Their Chances (The New London Day 3/16)
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Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation | Schaghticoke Tribal Nation

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Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

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

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