Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe can thank ex-Rep. Pombo

Friday, August 3, 2007  

"The recently recognized Mashpee Wampanoag tribe soon might be operating Massachusetts' first Indian casino.

It wouldn't be as close as they are without the involvement of former Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy:

There's no concrete evidence Mashpee tribal leaders had gambling in mind while they were seeking this elevated status.

They stated repeatedly that their only interest was in qualifying for federal benefits.

Whatever the Mashpee leaders were thinking in their dealings with Pombo, they made it clear this year that a huge gaming complex quickly has been added to their agenda.

Whether Pombo was ever a pawn or tool of Mashpee tribal leaders is uncertain and unimportant now.

After 30 years of being ignored by the federal government, the tribe has gone from lobbying to application to recognition to the cusp of amazing wealth. All in the space of four years.

Pombo, however, should be on the guest list when the casino opens."

Get the Story:
American Indians prosper (The Stockton Record 8/3)

Mashpee Casino Agreement:
Intergovernmental Agreement (July 2007)

Relevant Documents:
DOI Final Determination | Summary of Acknowledgment Cases | R. Lee Fleming Declaration

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - http://mashpeewampanoagtribe.com

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