Three Connecticut tribes that were denied federal recognition are hoping to get another shot if the Bureau of Indian Affairs rewrites its regulations.

The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe and the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation received negative final decisions during the Bush administration. But the Obama administration is proposing changes that they say could revive their cases.

At issue is a provision that applies to tribes with a state-recognized reservation. All three tribes have reservations that date to Colonial times so they believe the change could benefit their rejected petitions.

Politicians from the state, however, are trying to prevent the BIA from adopting the proposal. They say the tribes shouldn't get a second chance.

Get the Story:
Connecticut, Tribes Collide on Federal Rule (The Wall Street Journal 10/3)

Federal Register Notice:
Procedures for Establishing That an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe (June 26, 2013)

Relevant Documents:
Dear Tribal Leaders Letter
Present Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that an American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe
Red Lined Proposed Version - 25 CFR Part 83 Procedures for Establishing that American Indian Group Exists as an Indian Tribe

Related Stories:
Connecticut politicians want BIA to drop recognition reform (08/30)
Connecticut leads opposition to federal recognition reforms (8/26)
BIA extends comment period on federal recognition proposal (08/13)