FROM THE ARCHIVE

Towns consider mediation with tribe

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OCTOBER 11, 2000

Three Connecticut towns challenging the expansion of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation are considering entering into mediation with the tribe, but want Representative Sam Gejdenson to explain how it would work.

Gejdenson proposed mediation between the parties. He suggested former Maine Senator George Mitchell mediate and Mitchell has agreed.

The towns and the state lost their lawsuit against the Department of Interior. They disputed the Interior's decision to take 165 acres of land into trust for the tribe.

But the Second Circuit Court of Appeals said the Interior cannot be prevented from making that decision. The state attempted to argue that the 1983 Mashantucket Pequot Settlement Act forever defined the boundaries of the reservation.

Get the Ruling:
Connecticut v. Babbitt (Second Circuit Court of Appeals. No. 99-6042. September 2000)

Get the Story:
Three towns want meeting with Gejdenson (The New London Day 10/11)

Related Stories:
Dialogue urged between tribe, towns (Tribal Law 9/29)
Anti-Pequot towns: No one's helping us (Tribal Law 9/28)
Pequot tribe tries to assuage fears (Tribal Law 9/28)
Does a Pequot empire await? (Tribal Law 9/27)
Towns want 'sloppy' legislation fixed (Tribal Law 9/27)
Residents want tribe to pay taxes (Tribal Law 9/27)
Tribe wants to add more land (Tribal Law 9/27) Court rules against anti-Pequot towns (Tribal Law 9/26)
Towns optimistic about Pequot suit (Tribal Law 06/15)