The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation of Connecticut has been denied federal recognition in a preliminary hearing by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe, which is officially recognized by Connecticut, originally petitioned for federal recognition in 1994, but apparently failed to meet two of seven requirements: community and political authority from past to present. The BIA maintains that there was “little or no direct or specific evidence provided in regard to political authority or influence,” during the early 1800s to 1875 and from 1885 to 1967, by the 330-member tribe. The Schaghticoke, according to the BIA, also did not provide enough evidence to meet the definition of a 'cohesive community' from 1940 to 1967, and from 1996 to the present day. Tribal members will continue to pursue their case, mindful of the benefits of federal recognition, which would mean more funding for health, housing and education. Recognition would also allow them to build a casino if they so choose, and public opposition to the tribe's federal recognition stems largely from this possibility. The final decision is expected by September 2003, until which time the tribe can submit more documentation refuting the preliminary conclusions.
