Bill would terminate state tribes

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2002

A Republican lawmaker in Connecticut wants to terminate state-recognized tribes, The New London Day reports.

House Minority Leader Robert Ward said he wants to repeal the state's recognition of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe and two Eastern Pequot tribes. He wants them to re-apply to a state commission to get their status back.

The state also recognizes the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe. They would not be affected because they have federal status.

Connecticut state law, most recently amended in 1973, recognizes various powers of tribal self-governance, including the right to determine membership, form a government, regulate trade and commerce on the reservation, make contracts and determine tribal leadership. State tribes are also free from state taxation.

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Relevant Links:
General Statutes of Connecticut, Indians - http://www.cga.state.ct.us/2001/pub/Chap824.htm