Former Interior secretary Gale Norton and current associate Interior deputy secretary Jim Cason have been called to testify about their involvement in the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation's failed recognition bid.

A federal judge said Norton, who resigned in March, and Cason, a non-Indian who has been running the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have knowledge that is central to the case. The tribe alleges its recognition was reversed due to political pressure on the Bush administration.

The judge also called Aurene Martin, a former BIA official, to testify. The tribe's request to question former deputy secretary J. Steven Griles, current Interior solicitor David Bernhardt and Lee Fleming, the director of federal recognition, was denied.

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Interior officials to testify in Schaghticoke appeal (Indian Country Today 11/17)

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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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