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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2002

A Connecticut town may be forced to reduce the amount of money it spends to oppose the federal recognition of two tribes.

North Stonington allocated $65,000 to fight the Eastern Pequot Tribe and Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribe. Some residents wanted to reduce the funds.

But a legal opinion prevented them from doing so. At issue was whether residents could adjust specific items in the budget or only veto the entire package.

The town is looking into ways to resolve the dispute in case of lawsuits.

The tribes are based on the Lantern Hill Reservation, which is located within the town. They have received a preliminary decision in favor of their federal status but Assistant Secretary Neal McCaleb has to make a final determination.

A federal judge has ordered the decision to be made early next month. The Bureau of Indian Affairs may or may not adhere to the deadline.

Get the Story:
N.Stonington to review town meeting rights (The New London Day 5/15)

Related Stories:
BIA noncommittal on Pequot recognition (5/1)
Money approved to fight Pequot tribes (4/23)
Towns complain about Gover again (4/16)
Pequot recognition speculated (3/29)
Money budgeted to fight tribes (3/14)
Rejection of Pequot tribes sought (3/8)
Towns really opposed to Pequot tribes (3/1)
Towns to discuss Pequot recognitions (2/27)
Tribal foes say Indians can't own land (2/15)
State recognition doesn't matter, says Conn. (8/10)
State: Pequot Tribes aren't real (8/3)