The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut still hopes to gain federal recognition, newly elected chairman Jim Cunha said.

The Bush administration issued a decision in the tribe's favor but it was reversed after an appeal from the state. So far, the tribe hasn't taken any steps to challenge the ruling.

”We're keeping all our options open as far as federal recognition goes,” Cunha told The New London Day. Cunha is employed by the newspaper's publishing corporation.

The tribe could file a lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs or seek Congressional recognition.

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New leader says tribe still wants recognition (The New London Day 8/8)