Federal Recognition

Washington tribes could get another shot at federal recognition





Three Washington tribes could get another shot at federal recognition under new rules proposed by the Obama administration.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs rejected petitions from the Snohomish Tribe in 2004, the Chinook Nation in 2002 and the Duwamish Tribe in 2001. Under the proposed rules, all three could re-file for recognition, as long as interested parties agree.

“We are pleased by the proposed changes; however, we know that there is still a ways to go in the process,” Snohomish Vice Chair Sue Hall told The Seattle Times.

Public comments are being accepted until August.

Get the Story:
Proposed changes may help tribes get federal recognition (The Seattle Times 6/2)

Federal Register Notice:
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes (May 29, 2014)

Relevant Documents:
Proposed Rule | Press Release | Comparison Chart (comparing current rule to proposed rule) | Response to Comments on June 2013 Discussion Draft | Frequently Asked Questions

Related Stories:
Comment period on BIA federal recognition closes on August 1 (5/29)
Editorial: Connecticut tribes deserve to be respected in state (5/29)
Interview with Kevin Washburn on federal recognition reforms (5/27)
Editorial: BIA shouldn't be altering federal recognition process (5/27)
BIA plans separate meets for recognized, non-recognized tribes (5/26)
Little Shell Chippewa Tribe welcomes federal recognition reform (5/23)
Federal recognition reforms might not help tribes in Connecticut (5/23)
BIA announces regulation to reform federal recognition process (5/22)

Join the Conversation