FROM THE ARCHIVE

Conn. town supports recognition reform

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2001

The leaders of a Connecticut town fighting the federal recogntion of two Pequot tribes have endorsed legislation aimed at reforming the controversial system.

The leaders of North Stonington said they support Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) proposals. Among others, Simmons wants to double the Bureau of Indian Affairs' budget for federal recognition from $900,000 to $1.8 million and set aside $10 million for communities affected by new tribes.

Simmons made his proposal in light of a Congressional review that said the process takes too much time, can be costly and has unclear standards. He plans on introducing his bill next week.

Along with the towns of Ledyard and Preston, North Stonington opposes the recognition of the Eastern Pequot Tribe and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribe. A federal judge has ordered the BIA finalize a decision on the two tribes by the end of the year but Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb says he can't finish his work until next spring.

Get the Story:
Towns endorse process to revamp tribe recognition (The Norwich Bulletin 11/7)

Relevant Links:
Branch of Acknowledgment and Research - http://www.doi.gov/bia/ack_res.html

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Gover: Recognition study 'cooked' (11/1)
Reforming federal recognition (10/26)
Gover takes on recognition (10/25)
Conn. town encouraged by BIA dispute (10/17)
Norton urged to uphold recognition (10/11)
Chinook Nation faces reversal (10/3)
McCaleb reverses Clinton recognitions (9/28)