The city of American Canyon, California, is seeking to join the federal recognition lawsuit of the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of California.

The city says it's rights will be affected if the tribe is restored to recognition. "It's a power greater than eminent domain, because it would be a sovereign nation and the federal government would act as its trustee," attorney William Ross told The Vallejo Times-Herald.

The tribe was terminated by an act of Congress in 1959. The lawsuit claims the federal government failed to abide by the law.

"I just want to get restored to help my people," Chairman Scott Gabaldon told the paper.

Settlement talks are underway with the Interior Department.

Get the Story:
American Canyon plans to fight tribe's effort for recognition (The Vallejo Times-Herald 12/15)

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