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MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2002

St. Francis Band of the Abenaki Nation of Vermont on Friday held a press conference to respond to opponents of the tribe's bid for federal recognition.

Gov. Howard Dean (D) was urging lawmakers to reconsider supporting the tribe's petition. Chief April Rushlow and others criticized him for raising arguments about land claims and casinos that are not central to the tribe's case.

The tribe filed for recognition in 1983. It has been on the "ready" list since 1996, meaning its application is complete but Bureau of Indian Affairs staff have not gotten around to it.

The tribe is the first on the ready list.

Get the Story:
Abenaki press for recognition over Dean's objections (AP 1/18)

Relevant Links:
Gov. Howard Dean - http://www.gov.state.vt.us

Related Stories:
Gov. urges against Abenaki recognition (1/18)