According to the News-Times, under a new rule proposed by the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, it looks like tribes that have applied in the past for recognition in order to apply for a casino license most likely will not happen.

The new provision will rule out the application process for The Paugussett Indians, which have a Trumbull Reservation, the Schaghticoke Indians, which have a Kent Reservation along with the Eastern Pequots.

The new rule also states that tribes cannot simply show they have a state recognized reservation in order to qualify for federal recognition.

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All three tribes have been denied federal recognition in the past, and chose to take their cases to federal court, but were unsuccessful. They originally proposed building a casino in Bridgeport.

Federal recognition brings many advantages to Indian tribes, including the ability to sign contracts with a state along with offering casino gambling on reservations.

Chief Richard Velkey who leads a faction of the Schaghticoke tribe could not be reached for comment, according to the News-Times. The Mohegan Tribe has 1,700 members and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe has 800.

 

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