The Bureau of Indian Affairs asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit over alleged election irregularities within the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts.

A group of tribal members sued the BIA after they were rebuffed in tribal court. But the BIA said it lacks authority over an internal tribal member.

The BIA also said the lawsuit can't proceed without the tribe's involvement. The tribe, however, can't be joined without its consent due to sovereign immunity.

Judge Denise Casper will take the matter under advisement. The tribe, meanwhile, is holding its annual election on February 9.

Get the Story:
Judge hears arguments in Mashpee Wampanoag tribal lawsuit (The Taunton Daily Gazette 1/15)
Federal judge hears Mashpee tribe's election dispute (The Cape Cod Times 1/15)
Tribal council members face five challengers (The Cape Cod Times 1/14)

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