Update: The BIA sent a letter to the tribe on Saturday, delaying a decision until October 12, The New London Day reports. The agency is set to issue a ruling on another Connecticut tribe at that time.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is expected to issue a ruling today on the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation's bid for federal recognition.

In June 2002, the BIA issued a final determination in favor of the tribe but in response to a challenge from the state of Connecticut, the decision was vacated by the Interior Board of Indian Appeals. The IBIA said the BIA relied too heavily on the state's continuous recognition of the tribe.

The tribe held ceremonies this past weekend to prepare for the decision.

Get the Story:
BIA delays decision on Eastern Pequots (The New London Day 9/12)
pwday
Tribe awaits recognition ruling (The Norwich Bulletin 9/12)
Eastern Pequots Wait Confidently For BIA Decision (The New London Day 9/10)
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Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (July 2004)

IBIA Decisions:
Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation | Schaghticoke Tribal Nation

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