A sign at the Atakapa Ishak Indian Mound near Merryville, Louisiana. Photo from Atakapas Ishak Nation

The Atakapa Ishak Nation of Texas and Louisiana is seeking federal recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs but tribal leaders warn that internal squabbling could hinder the effort.

The tribe filed a letter stating its intent to petition in 2007, according to the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. Since then, a few splinter groups have formed, taking about half of the membership away, Chief Edward Chretien said.

"The more that they complain to Washington … it's going to be harder to recognize them," Secretary Tammy Anders told The Beaumont Enterprise.

In addition to federal recognition, Chretien said the tribe will pursue state recognition in Texas and Louisiana. "We're not extinct," he told the paper.

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SE Texas' Atakapa tribe seeking federal designation (The Beaumont Enterprise 9/2)