Recognition

'Money talks' when it comes to federal recognition

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

The Abenaki Nation of Vermont didn't have the financial support needed to win federal recognition, a tribal advocate says.

Jeff Benay, the former chair of the state's Native American commission, says the tribe put together a strong petition. But unlike other tribes, the Abenaki didn't have a "well-heeled," he says.

"We learned that money talks," Benay told the Vermont Press.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs says the tribe failed to meet four out of seven federal recognition criteria. In a final determination, the agency said the tribe failed to prove descent from the historic Abenaki tribe, continuous identification as an Indian tribe, continuous existence as a distinct community and continuous exertion of political authority over its members.

The tribe can appeal through the Interior Department's Board of Indian Appeals. It could also sue in federal court or seek legislation recognition.

Get the Story:
Federal decision leaves Vermont's Abenakis in limbo (Vermont Press Bureau 6/26)

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

Relevant Links:
Abenaki Nation - http://www.abenakination.org