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AUGUST 16, 2000

In an interview with Indian Country Today, Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, said criticism of his recent decision to extend federal recognition to two Pequot tribes in Connecticut is based on a political, not factual, agenda.

"My attitude is, 'Put up or shut up.' If he's got any evidence, let's see it," Gover told Indian Country Today.

Gover's comments are directed at Connecticut state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. Blumenthal has been an outspoken critic of Gover and the and questioned BIA researchers during a session discussing the Eastern Pequot and Paucatuck Eastern Pequot tribes.

Gover defended his authority to recognize the tribes. He said documents were leaked regarding the tribes, who failed to meet certain recognition criteria for particular time periods in their existence.

Gover recently recognized the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Montana despite gaps in the evidentiary record.

Gover also criticized author Jeff Benedict for his claims that the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation aren't descendants of the historical Pequot tribe. He said all tribes should consider Benedict's call for termination of the Mashantuckets as a threat.

"We better admit that an attack on them is an attack on us," Gover told ICT.

Get the Story:
Gover blasts back at critic, defends Mashantucket identity (Indian Country Today 8/16)

Relevant Links:
The Bureau of Indian Affairs - www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html
Little Shell Chippewa Preliminary Recognition - www.indianz.com/TribalLaw/Focus/showreview.asp?ID=8162000
Eastern Pequot Preliminary Recognition - www.doi.gov/bia/bar/epdx.htm
Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Preliminary Recognition - www.doi.gov/bia/bar/pepdx.htm

Related Stories:
Recognition findings a departure (8/16)
BIA 'bewildered' by state request (8/10)
BIA tells tribe, state where to go (8/10)
BIA: No evidence tribe existed (8/10)
BIA meeting centers on history (8/7)
BIA: Towns not reliable (8/9)
Author advocates termination (07/17)