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JULY 13, 2000

Nedra Darling, a BIA spokesperson, defended the decision by director Kevin Gover to grant preliminary federal recognition to the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot and the Eastern Pequot Tribes of Connecticut.

Darling said Gover did not override or otherwise overlook the recomendations of the Branch of Acknowledgement and Research. She said his action was entirely appropriate.

A July 8 report by the Hartford Courant alleges the Gover ignored the BAR's research, citing a memo they obtained written by Gover in which the paper says he recognizes the failure of the two groups to meet two mandatory criteria of the federal recognition guidelines.

A lawyer for the towns of Preston, Ledyard, and North Stonington, said Gover's actions were unprecedented in the BIA and the entire federal government.

The towns, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and the tribes will take part in a two-day meeting on July 27 and July 28 in which the towns will ask the BIA to justify their decision.

Get the Story:
BIA spokeswoman says Gover's actions were appropriate for his position (The New London Day 7/13)

Related Stories:
Senator asks for Pequot delay (Tribal Law 7/11)
BIA expands Pequot meeting (Tribal Law 7/11)
Report alleges Gover misdeed (Tribal Law 7/10)

Without Reservation Jeff Benedict. Read our review. Buy the book that has been causing so much controversy.

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