The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation is considering an appeal of its federal recognition case, Chief Richard Velky said on Wednesday.

Velky said politicians in Connecticut pressured the Bureau of Indian Affairs to reject the tribe's petition for recognition. But a federal judge rejected that argument and said the BIA acted appropriately.

The tribe had won a favorable decision in January 2004 but an appeal from the state of Connecticut forced the BIA to reconsider. Jim Cason, a Bush appointee at the Interior Department, issued a revised decision against the tribe in October 2005.

The tribe is based on a state-recognized reservation.

Get the Story:
Tribe won't back down (The Danbury News-Times 8/28)
Schaghticokes weigh recognition appeal (The Connecticut Post 8/28)

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Judge rejects Schaghticoke bid for recognition (8/27)
Schaghticoke chief seeks meeting with Bush (4/25)