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APRIL 24, 2001

Even though he's been out of office for months, former Assistant Secretary of Interior Gover is still defending decision he made while at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Gover says attacks on his federal recognition decisions and others made during the final months of the Clinton administration are part of an effort to discredit him and discourage support for Indian gaming from the new administration.

Secretary of Interior Gale Norton isn't holding back for review Gover's final determination to recognize the Chinook Nation of Washington. Gover reversed a decision made by his precedessor, Ada Deer, in January, the same day he left office.

The decision is being challenged by the Quinault Nation, who are pursuing the matter before the Interior Board of Indian Appeals.

Norton and her staff are reviewing decisions signed by Michael Anderson, Gover's temporary successor. Anderson denied recognition to one band of the Nipmuc Tribe of Massachusetts while extending preliminary recognition to another. Anderson also gave preliminary recognition to the Duwamish Tribe of Washington.

Get the Story:
Gover Defends Granting Tribal Status (AP 4/24)

Related Stories:
Last-minute BIA decisions scrutinized (3/26)
Chinook Nation eager to tell story (3/2)
Duwamish Tribe receives recognition (01/22)
Nipmuc Nation granted recognition (01/22)
Gover reverses Chinook decision (1/4)