A lawsuit filed 30 years ago was aimed at resolving the land claims of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts but disputes linger today.

Congress passed a bill to settle the lawsuit and clear the way for federal recognition. Yet the tribe and the town are still at odds over key sovereignty issues.

The main one revolves around control of land. The tribe says it has authority over its reservation but the town says the tribe has to abide by local laws.

The second big issue is immunity. The state's highest court has ruled that the act of Congress opened the tribe to lawsuits by local governments.

The tribe and the town are trying to resolve their issues but a proposed agreement was put on hold after tribal members raised questions. The dispute could threaten a community center the tribe is constructing without a town permit.

Get the Story:
Town, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Trace Their Disputes Across Decades (The Martha's Vineyard Gazette 9/5)

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

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