The Pamunkey Tribe of Virginia is urging supporters not to send comments to the Bureau of Indian Affairs on its federal recognition petition.

The BIA published notice of the proposed finding in the Federal Register last Thursday. That opens a 180-day comment period.

If comments are submitted, that will open another 60-day period. So Chief Kevin Brown hopes none are sent in to the BIA.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that we receive no comments positive or negative. That will move up our final report 60 days sooner,” Brown told Indian Country Today.

A final determination could come early next year, the tribe's attorney said.

Get the Story:
With Fed Recognition In Sight, Pamunkey Chief Says ‘No Comments, Please!’ (Indian Country Today 1/24)

Federal Register Notice:
Proposed Finding for Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe (January 23, 2014)

Related Stories:
BIA issues preliminary decision in favor of Pamunkey Tribe (1/20)