The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts ended its sovereignty battle by agreeing to submit to local zoning laws.

The tribe and the town of Aquinnah fought over the applicability of local laws on the reservation. The state's highest court ended up ruling that the tribe waived its sovereign immunity in a special act of Congress that settled the tribe's land claim.

The tribe decided not to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Instead, the tribe worked with the town to come up with an agreement to seek building permits for a small shed and pier on the reservation.

The tribe lives on the island of Martha's Vineyard.

Get the Story:
Wampanoags to seek permits, ending lawsuit (The Martha's Vineyard Times 3/30)

Relevant Links:
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head - http://www.wampanoagtribe.net

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