The rule changes, first proposed in draft form last June by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are intended to streamline the approval process. But the changes are seen by some as watering down standards for recognition. If approved, the changes could benefit the Schaghticokes of Kent, the Golden Hill Paugussetts of Trumbull and Colchester and the Eastern Pequots of North Stonington. The only recognized tribes in Connecticut are the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots, who each own giant casino resorts. Nedra Darling, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, said today that it is still reviewing comments on the proposed regulations. Revised rules are not likely to be made public in the federal register until this summer or later, Darling said. Another period of consultations with the tribe and the public would follow. Malloy, local officials and Connecticuts entire congressional delegation have taken their opposition of the proposed changes to the Interior Department, which invited public comment at hearings last summer in Oregon, California, Michigan, Maine and Louisiana. Its been a process thats been east to west, north to south, Darling said. Theres been lots of input.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 00:03:02 +0000
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