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SEPTEMBER 20, 2000

The Wiquapaug Eastern Pequot tribe, whose members claim descent from the historic Pequot tribe, is petitioning the Bureau of Indian Affairs for federal recognition.

Like the Eastern Pequot and Paucatuck Eastern Pequot tribes who received preliminary recognition in late March, the Wiquapaug claim descent from the Eastern branch of the Pequot tribe. But unlike the two, the Wiquapaug aren't recognized by the state of Connecticut or Rhode Island, where its members live.

The two Eastern Pequot tribes live on the Lantern Hill Reservation in North Stonington, Connecticut. They are recognized by the state as one tribe, but both ended up petitioning the Bureau separately.

The existence of the Wiquapaug may not surprise many. During a public meeting held in August, BIA researchers acknowledged the existence of several groups whose members could potentially trace their ancestry to the historic Pequot tribe and receive acknowledgment.

One group, the Brothertown Indians of Wisconsin, were even parties to an 1832 treaty with the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin. The tribe, consisting of descendants of the Pequot and Mohegan tribes, is currently awaiting a decision from the Bureau regarding their federal status.

Although the recognition process is never easy, the Wiquapaug may have some obstacles to overcome. According to Byron Brown, the Wiquapaug chief, himself and others are members of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island, an already recognized tribe.

However, BIA regulations prohibit recognition of a group whose membership is not "principally composed" of members of an already recognized tribe. In 1999, the Bureau declined to acknowledge the Yuchi Tribal Organization because 92 percent of its membership roll were already enrolled in the Creek Nation of Oklahoma.

On the other hand, the BIA recognized the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe of Washington in 1999. Some 20 percent of the tribe's membership were enrolled in any one of seven tribes in the Northwest.

With Brown's count of 100 members in the tribe, satisfaction of this recognition criteria depends on exactly how many are enrolled in the Narragansett tribe.

The Wiquapaug filed a letter of intent to petition for federal acknowledgment on September 8 of this year.

Relevant Links:
Brothertown Indians of Wisconsin - www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~astephen/bro.html
Brothertown Indians of Wisconsin, History - www.mpm.edu/wirp/ICW-222.html
Determination against the Yuchi Tribal Organization - www.doi.gov/bia/bar/yuchidx.html
Acknowledgment of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe - www.doi.gov/bia/bar/snoqdx.html

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Federal Recognition (Tribal Law 5/17)