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APRIL 27, 2001

The Department of Justice last week filed a brief opposing a court order requiring the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make a final determination on the federal recognition petitions of two Connecticut tribes by December.

The DOJ argues US District Judge Alfred V. Covello's order undermines the BIA's authority and would require the agency to make a decision on the Eastern Pequot Tribe and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribe in an unreasonable amount of time. The DOJ also argues it would require the BIA to spend more time on the tribes' petitions to the detriment of others and would encourage more litigation.

The DOJ's brief comes in response to a March 30 order by Covello setting a number of timelines in a lawsuit filed by the state of Connecticut against the Department of Interior.

The two tribes, who received preliminary recognition in March 2000, are reviewing the filing. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says he takes no position on it.

Get the Story:
Recognition decision for 2 tribes faces more delay (The New London Day 4/27)