Advertise:   ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

Federal Recognition
Opinion: Mashpee Wampanoags paid for recognition


"The Mashpee Wampanoag, a Massachusetts tribe recently recognized by the federal government, didn�t earn that status

It was purchased.

Fifteen million dollars, Jack Abramoff�s old lobbying firm, and a future casino deal guaranteed their approval through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Federal Acknowledgment.

That�s why I say the Mashpee Wampanoag didn�t earn federal recognition. It was bought and paid for.

The question is bound to come up: Were they worthy of such recognition? Worthy seems such an odd question in relation to this sort of thing, as the term "worthy" certainly has nothing to do with the process. Petty little things like historical realities, cultural characteristics, language retention and traditional governance have nothing to do with achievement of such status. Who you know, where you fell in line and how many politicians, lobbyists and dollars you bring to the table have everything to do with the results.

Recognition was not earned."

Get the Story:
Cedric Sunray: Why federal recognition isn't recognition at all (The Native American Times 6/7)

BIA Decision
Summary under the Criteria for the Proposed Finding on the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council, Inc. (March 31, 2006)

Relevant Documents:
Summary of Acknowledgment Cases | R. Lee Fleming Declaration

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

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

Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoags see support for recognition (05/08)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe looks forward to future (04/06)
Lobbyists garner mention in recognition decision (4/4)
Mashpee Tribe avoids pitfalls on federal recognition (4/3)
Tribe anticipates big decision on recognition (3/31)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe awaits recognition (3/23)
Mashpee recongnition decision due this month (03/07)
Mashpee Wampanoag lobbying paid off in Washington (2/22)
Mashpee Wampanoag elders pass before recognition (2/20)
Mashpee Wampanoags await word on federal status (01/13)
Massachusetts tribe says scandal won't hurt case (01/05)
Mashpees call for tribe to cut ties to lobbyists (12/21)
Opinion: Mashpees disturbed by tribal lobbying (12/07)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe active in Washington (12/1)
Mashpee chair gave Abramoff e-mails to FBI (11/29)
Mashpee chairman happy with Abramoff work (11/22)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe tight on membership (10/11)
BIA assigns team to Mashpee Wampanoag petition (10/3)
Massachusetts tribe, town weigh recognition deal (09/16)
Massachusetts tribe won't make land claims (08/22)
Massachusetts tribe waits for answer on recognition (08/05)
Wampanoag teen joins tribe's Run for Recognition (07/28)
Massachusetts tribe waits for ruling on recognition (7/27)
Judge approves timeline for Mashpee recognition (7/26)
BIA proposes timeline for Mashpee recognition (7/19)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe steers clear of Abramoff (05/23)
Judge blasts BIA for delays in recognition case (02/15)
Wampanoag tribe back to court on recognition bid (2/14)
BIA opposes Pombo's federal recognition bill (2/11)
Bill addresses slow-moving recognition process (02/07)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe presses recognition bid (09/03)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe rubs elbows at RNC (9/1)
House panel sympathetic to tribes on recognition (04/01)
Federal recognition process subject of two hearings (03/31)
BIA delaying decision on Mass. tribe (12/20)
Mass. town accused of hindering recognition (10/30)
Jump in recognition petitions noted (06/12)
BIA recognition staff fails pressure test (05/31)
Wampanoag leader remembered (03/08)