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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2001

One of the four mandatory recognition criteria failed by the Nipmuc Nation of Massachusetts was proving an overwhelming majority of tribal members have Nipmuc ancestry.

According to Bureau of Indian Affairs researchers, 46 percent of the tribe's members cannot prove they are Nipmuc descendants. Based on precedent, the number was too high for the Nipmuc Nation to pass the genealogical component required for federal recognition.

On the other hand, the rival Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck was able to show that 87 percent of members have Nipmuc ancestry. The Chaubunagungamaug passed the geneaological requirement but failed two others.

Whether or not the Nipmuc Nation could purge its rolls of the undocumented members and satisfy the requirement is an open question. Both the Nipmuc Nation and the Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck have 180 days to respond to the BIA's proposed finding.

Get the Story:
For Nipmucs, documentation a big problem (The New London Day 10/3)

Relevant Links:
Branch of Acknowledgment and Research - http://www.doi.gov/bia/ack_res.html

Related Stories:
Cooperation could aid rival Nipmucs (10/2)
Recognition notices published today (10/1)
McCaleb reverses recognition decisions (9/28)
Behind the recognition (9/28)
Nipmuc council member happy for denial (9/28)
Duwamish Tribe to fight on (9/28)