The Pokanoket Tribe of Rhode Island says it needs state and federal recognition in order to practice its culture and protect its heritage.

Tribal members testified in favor of a bill to grant them recognition. They say they don't plan to file land claims or seek gaming.

Separately, the tribe has filed a petition for federal recognition with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe wants the right to obtain eagle feathers and repatriate ancestors and artifacts.

The only federally recognized tribe in the state is the Narragansett Tribe. A federal judge recently ruled that the tribe's land claim settlement act extinguished all aboriginal title in the state.

Get the Story:
With eagle feathers their spirit will soar (The Providence Journal 3/22)
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Relevant Links:
Pokanoket Tribe - http://www.pokanoket.org

Related Stories:
Pokanoket Tribe asks Rhode Island for recognition (03/10)