Recognition of tribe urged

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Friday, April 15, 2005 | 9:18 a.m.

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- A Senate committee unanimously recommended Thursday that the state set up a process under which the Abenaki Indian tribe could be recognized.

The vote by the Senate Economic Development Committee came despite warnings by the attorney general's office and the governor that it could lead to federal recognition of the tribe.

Sen. Vincent Illuzzi, the committee's chairman, said the bill was limited in scope. A Commission on Indian Affairs set up by an executive order of Gov. Madeleine Kunin would be enacted into law -- meaning a governor could not cancel it without the Legislature's approval.