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TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2003

Last Updated: 4:52 p.m. EDT.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs today said it plans to deny federal recognition to the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe of Connecticut.

The proposed finding, made by acting Assistant Secretary Aurene Martin, states the the tribe failed to satisfy three out of seven mandatory federal recognition criteria. BIA researchers said the tribe failed to show continuous existence as a distinct community, political influence and descent from an historical Indian tribe.

The decision, which is not final, was made pursuant to a court order. Michael O'Connell, an attorney for the tribe, said it was just the first step in a long process.

"We've always perceived this not to be the end of the road," he said.

Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal called the decision "a victory for the public interest." "As we have consistently contended, this petition fails to meet several key mandatory criteria established by law for federal recognition," he said.

Relevant Links:
Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe - http://paugussett.itgo.com
Friends of Golden Hill Paugussett - http://www.paugussetts.com

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