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APRIL 17, 2001

ABC executives responsible for the prime-time spy program The Mole might want to set their next season at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, DC.

According to former Assistant Secretary Kevin Gover, someone at the BIA or the Department of Interior is leaking information on federal recognition to a number of outside sources. Members of the press and Connecticut Attorney Richard Blumenthal in recent months claim to have obtained information about tribal recognition from sources within the BIA.

Gover believes it is a senior staff member at the Bureau of Acknowledgment and Research, the department which handles federal recognition. There are approximately 11 historians, anthropologists, genealogists, and other researchers at the BAR, which is overseen by Lee Fleming.

At least two former BAR staffers have continued to work in areas related to recognition. One is Steve Austin, who worked on the petitions is Eastern tribes -- including the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut -- during his tenure.

He now works for the Paucatucket Eastern Pequot Tribe, whose recognition is the target of a lawsuit by Blumenthal.

The other is Kay Davis, who also worked on petitions of Eastern tribes. She had alleged persons affiliated with or in support of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe of Connecticut set up booby traps for her while employed at the BIA.

She is now helping three Connecticut towns challenge the recognition of the Eastern Peuqot Tribe and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribe. The law firm representing North Stonington, Ledyard and Preston paid more than $20,000 to Davis and a firm employing Michael L. Lawson, another former researcher, reports The Norwich Bulletin today.

Town leaders defended the practice. Freshman Congressman Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) said the practice was not comparable to Gover now working for tribes.

Get the Story:
Gover admits leaks in BIA ranks (Indian Country Today 4/18)
Towns hired former BIA workers to fight bids for recognition (The Norwich Bulletin 4/17)

Related Stories:
Tribe says town in cahoots with ex-BIA worker (4/9)