The U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs on Thursday announced proposed new regulations so Native American groups must prove continued existence back to 1934, not the rigid 1790 standard federal petition supporters of the Bridgeport-originated Golden Hill Paugussett tribe claim cost federal recognition and opportunities for economic expansion including gaming enterprises that exist for Connecticut’s currently recognized two tribal nations. The regulations could rekindle efforts by the Golden Hill Paugussetts and other Connecticut-based tribes to seek federal recognition and gaming facilities, but this latest draft may require tribes to seek approval from those that previously opposed recognition to renew claims. Governor Dan Malloy who opposed a previous draft of the regulations regarding potential land claims issued a statement saying this version is better for state interests but still needs tweaking.
Malloy and Connecticut’s federal legislative delegation issued this statement in response:
“Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior released a new draft of a proposed regulation governing federal tribal recognition standards. We appreciate the Obama Administration’s willingness to engage in a discussion of the concerns we have raised over the past nine months, and its latest revisions are a step in the right direction. However, we believe additional changes and clarifications are necessary to ensure that Connecticut’s interests are protected, and we will continue to work for their inclusion.”
News release from the U.S. Department of the Interior:
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today announced publication of proposed regulations that would reform the 35-year old process by which the Department of the Interior officially recognizes Indian tribes. Federal acknowledgment establishes the U.S. Government as the trustee for Tribal lands and resources and makes Tribal members and governments eligible for federal budget assistance and program services …
Key features of the proposed rule would promote transparency by updating the Part 83 criteria to include objective standards; promote efficiency by requiring a petitioner to show community and political influence/authority from 1934 to the present rather than from as early as 1789; and eliminate the need for a petitioner to demonstrate that third parties identified the petitioner as a tribe from 1900 to the present. The proposed rule would make changes to the petitioning process that facilitate the timely issuance of proposed findings and final determinations. It would also allow an administrative judge to conduct a comprehensive hearing and review of a negative proposed finding.
Full news release here.
In a February letter to President Obama, Governor Dan Malloy protested new regulations that could open the door to federal recognition of the Golden Hill Paugussett tribe that Malloy claims “would have a unique and devastating impact in Connecticut.”
For Connecticut, the consequences would be devastating. The petitioning groups have filed or threatened land claims to vast areas of fully developed land in Connecticut. Such claims can cloud the title to real property in the claimed area, causing significant economic hardship to Connecticut residents. All of the petitioning groups have expressed interest in developing casinos and pursuing land claim lawsuits if they obtain federal acknowledgement. Federal reservations and trust lands would be created, exempt from state and local regulatory control, resulting in the loss of tax base, the need for increased services from local governments, and extraordinary new demands on the infrastructure of the State.
The Golden Hill Paugussetts currently occupy a one-quarter-acre reservation in the town of Trumbull, one of the oldest reservations in the country. Supporters of federal recognition are saying very little publicly as they prepare a new petition for federal recognition, but express confidence of a breakthrough, based on revised regulations. The recognition process has been an exercise in resiliency with lots of starts and setbacks. This time, as a result of new federal standards, Golden Hill supporters say connecting a timeline of credibility in conjunction with state records will bolster claims.
Looks more like Obama backed language that would allow the “white man” to continue scalping Connecticut Indian tribes. The only difference is the way the scalping is carried out. In the beginning, a sharp knife was used but, now a pointed pen is used. When the people were allowed to use the pen and they vote over 80% in favor of a Bridgeport Casino, it was dismissed as nonbinding. “… this version is better for state interests but still needs tweaking …” Malloy is bent in continuing scalping Connecticut Indians with his pen. Stick that pen where the Mohegan Sun don’t shine.
I’ll leave you with Obama, Malloy and Connecticut’s federal legislative delegation’s favorite Bridgeport song:
www. youtube.com/watch?v=FvvPsFTjPRM
How!
Too little, too late.
For all of you who have not read the criteria I will inform you as to the new process.
1. A tribe needs to have a relationship with the State since 1934.
2. The tribe has to be State recognized by a State since 1934.
3. The tribe must prove it has had a continuing tribal leadership since 1934.
A tribe that meets these three criteria is eligible for Federal recognition. There can be objections if the petitioning tribe is within 25 miles of a Federally recognize4d tribe. Politicians can also object.
To the people of Bridgeport: I implore you to call your Federal Congressman, Himes and Blumenthal to remove their objections; less you remove them from office.
The Paugussetts will hire 6,000 to 9,000 at the facility. These will be mostly be entry-level jobs with Great Medical Benefits. There will be 3,000 construction jobs as well.
Bridgeport, this is the time to take your future in your own hands!!!
Lennie, if you need or want further data on the journey we are about to take, e-mail me.
Roll them bones!
It’s time to put the casino to rest. There are casinos everywhere. This means most of the patronage will come from people from Bridgeport. For the most part people here can’t afford a casino. Do I believe the construction numbers? NO but whatever! How many construction jobs go to people from Bridgeport? Remember, they are temporary jobs. I will not vote for a casino if it comes up for a vote, let the Indians take most of the land in Bridgeport including my house, who really cares, the land is worth next to nothing anyway.
You have no clue as to what types of jobs or payroll would occur. Negativity like yours has kept Bridgeport the slave quarters for the rich in southern Fairfield county. Pull yourself up or move out of the way for those of us who are tired of being poor and taken for granted.