Schaghticoke Indian Tribe launches bid for federal recognition

Tuesday, June 25, 2019  

A group known as the Schaghticoke Indian Tribe is once again pursuing federal recognition even after another faction was rejected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Chief Alan Russell said the tribe's petition will be filed in July, The Middletown Press. But the leader of the rival Schaghticoke Tribal Nation dismissed the effort.

“I believe there is only one tribe. It is the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation,” Chief Richard Velky told The Press, adding: "All they did was copy (our petition).”

The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation's petition was denied in 2005 following an intensive lobbying effort from officials in Connecticut, including one who now serves in the U.S. Senate. The BIA's decision reversed an earlier one in favor of the tribe.

The BIA has since adopted regulations that prevent prior petitioners from going through the process again. The Schaghticoke Indian Tribe believes the restriction will not hinder its efforts and has already been in contact with the agency, The Press reported.

“I’m just hoping I’m alive to see something,” Russell told The Press.

The state of Connecticut recognizes the Schaghticoke as an Indian tribe under state law. The tribe has a reservation of about 400 acres along the border with New York.

CT Schaghticoke Indian group wants recognition, land, casino (The Middletown Press June 22, 2019)