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MAY 4, 2001

Three Connecticut towns challenging the federal recognition petitions of two Pequot tribes say they plan on asking Congress to pass legislation to reform the process.

The towns have written a letter to ask its Congressional delegation to come up with legislation. They are asking various communities to sign the letter but Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments said they won't sign it.

There is currently one bill in Congress that would remove the recognition process out of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and into a separate commission. It is sponsored by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.).

The towns last year submitted testimony that was generally negative of the bill.

Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) earlier this year promised legislation to reform federal recognition. No bill has been introduced thus far.

Campbell's Bill:
A bill for administrative procedures to extend Federal recognition to certain Indian groups, and for other purposes. (S.504)

Get the Story:
Congress help with tribes sought (The Norwich Bulletin 5/4)

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Dodd still wants recognition reform (3/16)
Recognition reforms might not have an effect (2/7)
Dodd calls for recognition reform (2/6)