The Bureau of Indian Affairs has extended the comment period on a proposal to change the federal recognition process.

The comment period was due to close this Friday. But Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn said the public has until September 25 to respond.

The BIA hasn't make significant changes to the federal recognition regulations since 1978. The Obama administration has acknowledged that the process takes a lot of time and needs to be reformed.

The proposed changes have drawn opposition from Connecticut, where officials believe three state-recognized tribes will be able to re-apply for federal status.

Get the Story:
Press Release: Department Extends Opportunity for Public Comment on Preliminary Discussion Draft Concerning the Federal Acknowledgment Regulations (BIA 8/12)

Federal Register Notice:
Procedures for Establishing That an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe (June 26, 2013)

Relevant Documents:
Dear Tribal Leaders Letter
Present Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe
Red Lined Proposed Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe

Related Stories:
Editorial: Federal recognition changes a threat to Connecticut (08/07)
Dave Palermo: BIA aiming to reform federal recognition process (07/30)
Cedric Sunray: How to fix a broken federal recognition process (07/29)
BIA takes comment on changes to federal recognition process (07/26)
Editorial: BIA needs to be more open with federal recognition (07/15)