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JULY 3, 2000

The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut changed their mind late Friday, reversing their decision to close a 2-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail that runs through their reservation in western Connecticut.

Chief Richard Velky had written a letter to state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the National Parks Service, informing them of the tribe's decision to close the portion. Both the state and the federal government said they no power to prevent the tribe from proceeding with their action.

The tribe had planned closing the trail in protest of the federal goverment's inaction on their federal recognition petition. The tribe has been state recognized since 1736.

The Schaghticoke petitioned for recognition in 1981 and recently asked a federal court judge to intervene in the recogition of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe, another state recognized tribe, saying the Paugussett are stealing their ancestors.

The tribe also has outstanding land claims against the federal government, particularly the land used for the Appalachian Trail. The tribe has two lawsuits pending on their claims.

Blumenthal agreed to meet with Velky to discuss their issues, leading the tribe to change their mind about the trail.

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Town to hold forum (The Talking Circle 06/16)
Gover wants BIA out of nastiness (Tribal Law 05/25)
Schaghticoke seek recognition (Tribal Law 05/19)
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