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FEBRUARY 2, 2001

Like many others in Indian Country, tribal leaders in Connecticut are taking a wait and see approach to newly confirmed Secretary of Interior Gale Norton.

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation spokesman L. Buddy Gwin said its too early to tell how Norton will decide on issues such as gaming, trust land acquisition, and federal recognition. Mark Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribes, said its not likely Norton will be as pro-tribal as Bruce Babbitt, but that her willingness to consider all points of view before making a decision is encouraging.

The leaders of the state-recognized Eastern Pequot and Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribes also are waiting to see how Norton will react. They two tribes are awaiting a final determination of their federal recognition status.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who is suing the Department of Interior over the two tribes, said he has known Norton for many years and wants to meet with her to discuss the issue.

Get the Story:
Tribes taking wait-and-see approach on Gale Norton (The New London Day 2/2)

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