Mishewal Wappo Tribe testifies at hearing on federal recognition

Tuesday, June 26, 2012  

Potential federal recognition of the Mishewal Wappo Tribe of California will be discussed at a hearing before the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs on Thursday.

The tribe was terminated by an act of Congress. But a lawsuit alleges the Interior Department didn't properly carry out the process.

The Obama administration and the tribe have discussed a settlement that would presumably lead to restoration of recognition. But some local governments are worried about the potential effects of the decision.

Chairman Scott Gabaldon and Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon will discuss their views of the issue at the hearing.

Get the Story:
Congressional panel to hear local Wappo case (The Napa Valley Register 6/26)

Committee Notice:
Oversight Hearing on Authorization, standards, and procedures for whether, how, and when Indian tribes should be newly recognized by the federal government (June 27, 2012)

Related Stories:
Opinion: Mishewal Wappo Tribe does not qualify for recognition (05/29)
Mishewal Wappo Tribe's recognition backed by unknown group (5/24)
Letter: Appalling treatment of Mishewal Wappo Tribe recognition (5/21)
Editorial: Mishewal Wappo Tribe recognition a serious issue (5/3)
Tribe asks judge to remove counties from recognition case (02/22)
Judge blocks an appeal in Mishewal Wappo recognition case (2/3)
Counties trying to appeal Mishewal Wappo recognition case (01/18)