Advertise:   ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

Federal Recognition
Eastern Pequot Statement on BIA Decision


The following is a statement from Marcia Flowers, Chairwoman of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, in response to October 12, 2005 Bureau of Indian Affairs decision to deny the tribe federal recognition.

The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation has never shied away from a challenge. Today's decision is a disappointment, but it is far from the end of the long struggle to confirm the heritage we know is ours.

In the 1600s our ancestors welcomed Europeans to a new land, then lost their own lands and their lives to the colonists' aggression in the Pequot War. Scattered as they were, the survivors came together and lived quiet lives on the reservation the colony grudgingly created for them.

They struggled through hard times trying to find a way to exist in the new culture forced upon them. Many left the reservation and made their way to towns and cities throughout the state. Although it was difficult, they managed to hold onto their heritage and their families and hand down a pride and determination that we see in our children today.

That determination and perseverance brought us through the last quarter century of the recognition journey. Over the next few weeks, we will review the BIA decision and meet with our advisors to determine what our next steps and strategy will be. We have reserves of faith in the Creator we haven't even begun to tap yet. For now we will be praying for guidance as we prepare to take the next step. To our many supporters, thank you for the strength you?ve shared and your unshaken belief in our Tribe.

It's clear to us that a process created to be above politics has been completely derailed by politicians and our people will pay the price for that corruption.

IBIA Decisions:
Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation | Schaghticoke Tribal Nation

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Interior Board of Indian Appeals Decisions - http://www.ibiadecisions.com

Related Stories:
Connecticut tribes have been denied recognition (10/12)
Eastern Pequots 'just waiting' on BIA decision (10/11)
Connecticut tribes await recognition decision (10/10)
Editorial: Schaghticokes deserve recognition (10/5)
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation awaits BIA decision (10/3)
Connecticut tribe sees support in recognition bid (09/16)
Connecticut tribe's ads tout bid for recognition (09/12)
Tribe, town await recognition decision from BIA (9/9)
Schaghticoke recognition ruling expected in October (09/01)
Connecticut governor denies improper lobbying (08/24)
Tribe says state lobbied Interior on recognition (8/23)
Tribe says lobbying firm derailed recognition bid (08/10)
Woman won't give research to Connecticut tribe (07/21)
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation to submit more evidence (07/14)
Editorial: Tribe has one 'last shot' at recognition (7/12)
BIA wants Connecticut tribe to submit more evidence (7/7)
Republican lobbyists fighting for, against tribes (06/28)
Schaghticoke tribe wants to submit new evidence (6/27)
BIA ruling on Connecticut tribes expected in September (06/15)
Olsen won't let Connecticut tribes submit evidence (05/24)
BIA might not accept new evidence from tribes (5/20)
Editorial: Reform of recognition process needed (5/17)
BIA ordered to reconsider two recognition cases (5/17)
Familiar problems aired at recognition hearing (05/12)
Bill against tribe's recognition called termination (04/29)
Federal recognition a costly and risky affair (04/25)
Federal recognition hearing set by Sen. McCain (4/22)
McCain to address federal recognition concerns (04/22)
Recognition handed to a 'not well informed' Cason (04/01)
Recognition bills surface yet again in Congress (03/17)
Schaghticoke chief debates foe of tribe's recognition (03/16)
Connecticut tribe and main foe to discuss recognition (03/08)
Bill revokes BIA's recognition of Connecticut tribe (3/7)
Tribe wants details of lobbying firm's contacts (02/25)
Group denies contact with DOI over tribe's recognition (02/18)
Lobbyist hired to overturn tribe's recognition (01/24)
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation in dispute with backer (01/20)
Lawmakers ask Norton to block tribe's recognition (12/10)
BIA made error in tribe's recognition case (12/9)
Group claims tribe's recognition will hurt community (09/30)
State officials want 'fix' to recognition process (09/09)
Probe finds no wrongdoing in BIA recognition case (09/01)
Inspector General investigation called 'bunch of b.s.' (09/01)
Schaghticoke recognition to go before review board (06/04)
Critics take BIA to task over federal recognition (05/06)
Recognition briefing paper at heart of latest feud (05/05)
Martin attacked for federal recognition decision (05/04)
Blumenthal criticized for 'all-out war' on tribes (04/30)
Report: Martin bent rules to recognize Conn. tribe (3/12)
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation: 'Today is our day' (1/30)
Recognition decision expected for Schaghticoke Tribe (1/26)
BIA asked to reconsider tribe's membership roll (12/05)
Conn. AG wants to break court agreement with BIA (11/12)
Tribe seeking recognition purges membership rolls (10/13)
State recognized tribe allowed to sue in Conn. (07/22)
Conn. court upholds jurisdiction over tribe (05/13)
Schaghticoke chief disputes state jurisdiction (01/17)
McCaleb 'throwing away a history of people' (12/06)
Schaghticoke Tribe denied recognition (12/5)
Lawmakers attempt to thwart recognition (12/5)
Conn. tribe awaits recognition ruling (12/4)
Recognition decision expected this week (12/2)
McCaleb plans to issue recognition ruling (11/26)
McCaleb ruling holds promise for state tribes (06/25)
McCaleb makes recognition history (6/25)
BIA project consumes recognition resources (06/12)
BIA recognition staff fails pressure test (05/31)
State challenges Schaghticoke Tribe (04/19)
Tribe's recognition delayed (02/20)
Conn. tribe waiting on recognition (01/23)