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Federal Recognition
Massachusetts tribe, town weigh recognition deal


Leaders of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the town of Mashpee are considering an agreement over the tribe's federal recognition petition.

Under the agreement, the tribe would support the tribe's pending application. In exchange, the tribe would not sue the town as part of a land claim or build a casino on Cape Cod.

Tribal and town leaders said their relationship has improved in recent years. Opponents to the tribe's recognition are no longer on the town board. Also, a law firm that fought the tribe's land claim in 1970s has been reduced to an advisory role in the town, The Cape Cod Times reported.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is due to issue a preliminary determination on the tribe's status in Mach 2006, with a final determination due by March 2007.

Get the Story:
Mashpee, Wampanoag both looking for accord (The Cape Cod Times 9/15)

Relevant Links:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - http://mashpeewampanoagtribe.com

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