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MAY 30, 2001

The office of freshman Congressman Rob Simmons (D-Conn.) is trying to schedule a second meeting between the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and three Connecticut towns.

But before it happens, Simmons has suggested certain rules for the engagement. No prayers, opening remarks, or Pledge of Allegiance should be recited, says Simmons, since the meeting is a business one.

The first time the groups met, the towns felt slighted the tribe said an prayer. Chairman Kenneth Reels also gave one of the town leaders an eagle feather, an item he later returned in exchange for wampum and a rock.

Also, Simmons says the sides shouldn't refer to the talks as "negotiations." The Department of Justice might want to take note, as it is watching the meetings to determine how a lawsuit filed by the towns will proceed.

Finally, Simmons says the towns shouldn't use the word "annexation" to describe the process by which the Department of Interior takes land into trust for tribes. The Pequot Tribe feels it is offense, he said.

Get the Story:
Date proving elusive for next meeting of towns, tribe (The New London Day 5/30)

Get the Case:
Connecticut v. Babbitt No. 99-6042. (2nd Circuit Court of Appeals September 25, 2000)

Only on Indianz.Com:
The Supreme Court and Indian Law: 2000-2001 (3/6)

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DOJ to watch Pequot land talks (5/24)
Pequot paper runs special edition (5/23)
Pequot Tribe proposes June meeting (5/16)
Anti-Pequot towns have hope in case (5/8)
EDITORIAL: Tribe, towns continue talking (5/4)
Towns: Pequot Tribe too rich (5/3)
EDITORIAL: Pequot tribe too affluent (5/2)
Supreme Court turns down Pequot land case (5/1)
White Man, Indian exchange gifts (4/17)