Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation questions recognition provision

Friday, June 13, 2014  

The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut said third parties should not be able to veto federal recognition petitions.

The tribe was denied recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A proposed rule allows them to submit another petition but only if interested parties -- such as state and local governments -- agree.

“The Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation appreciates the BIA’s proposed reform efforts but is outraged at the ‘third party veto,’” the tribe said in a statement to The New London Day. “EPTN believes the veto undermines the very intent of the proposed regulations to fix the ‘broken process.’”

The tribe is recognized by the state and resides on a state-recognized reservation.

Get the Story:
Eastern Pequots ‘outraged’ at provision in proposed federal-recognition changes (The New London Day 6/13)

Federal Register Notice:
Federal Acknowledgment of American Indian Tribes (May 29, 2014)

Relevant Documents:
Proposed Rule | Press Release | Comparison Chart (comparing current rule to proposed rule) | Response to Comments on June 2013 Discussion Draft | Frequently Asked Questions

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Ruth Garby Torres: Truths about tribes and federal recognition (06/03)
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Editorial: Connecticut tribes deserve to be respected in state (5/29)
Interview with Kevin Washburn on federal recognition reforms (5/27)
Editorial: BIA shouldn't be altering federal recognition process (5/27)
BIA plans separate meets for recognized, non-recognized tribes (5/26)
Federal recognition reforms might not help tribes in Connecticut (5/23)
BIA announces regulation to reform federal recognition process (5/22)