U.S. to hear appeal on Connecticut Indians

Monday, Oct. 28, 2002 | 11:49 a.m.

HARTFORD, Conn. -- The U.S. Department of Interior's Board of Indian Appeals has agreed to hear the state's appeal of the Eastern Pequot Tribe's federal recognition.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said the decision, announced Friday, is significant because it allows the state and three southeastern Connecticut towns to bring up alleged flaws in the Bureau of Indian Affairs determination.

Last summer, the BIA decided to merge the Eastern Pequot and Paucatuck Eastern Pequot tribes, creating a single entity known as the historic Eastern Pequot Tribe.

Both groups share a reservation in North Stonington and intend to operate what would be Connecticut's third casino, which would be bitterly opposed by some groups.

This decision to hear the appeal indicates the board of appeals believes there are merits to the state's concerns, said Blumenthal, who believes this marks the first time the board has agreed to consider an appeal from a state regarding a recognition petition.

"This administrative appeal will be a first for any state in the country. It marks the first administrative appeal within the Interior Department that has been granted to any state after a final determination of recognition," Blumenthal said. "It really is historically significant and practically important."