Narragansett Tribe to observe 10th anniversary of state's raid

Thursday, July 11, 2013  

The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island will hold a remembrance ceremony this Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of the state's raid of the reservation.

Then-governor Donald Caricieri (R) sent dozens of state troopers to the reservation on July 14, 2003, to shut down a smoke shop that was selling tax-free cigarettes. Several tribal members, including Chief Matthew Thomas and a council member, were arrested.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals later ruled that the state was within its rights to raid the reservation. The tribe is subject to all state laws as a result of a land claim settlement, the court said.

Get the Story:
10th Anniversary of smoke shop raid approaching (WPRI 7/11)

Narragansett leader alleges racial bias in smoke shop case (1/24)
Narragansett Tribe aims to improve relationship with governor (10/18)