Post by Okwes on May 24, 2007 13:46:57 GMT -5
Cape Cod tribe to get early ruling on federal recognition
MASHPEE, Mass. (AP) -
February 14, 2007 - 9:28AM
A Cape Cod tribe whose ancestors greeted the Mayflower is expected to get a final ruling tomorrow on its bid for federal recognition.
The Mashpee Wampanoag received preliminary approval last year, and final approval is expected from Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, whose office oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The announcement comes more than a month earlier than it had been expected.
A BIA spokeswoman tells the Cape Cod Times the tribe can expect a call about the finding late tomorrow afternoon.
The BIA gave preliminary approval to the tribe last year. Formal recognition would not would not take effect for another 90 days.
Federal recognition would allow the tribe to place land in federal trust for its members, and to negotiate with the state for a possible resort casino. It would also have access to federal
funds for social programs.
The tribe has said its priority is housing for members who have not been able to afford their ancestral homeland.
MASHPEE, Mass. (AP) -
February 14, 2007 - 9:28AM
A Cape Cod tribe whose ancestors greeted the Mayflower is expected to get a final ruling tomorrow on its bid for federal recognition.
The Mashpee Wampanoag received preliminary approval last year, and final approval is expected from Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, whose office oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The announcement comes more than a month earlier than it had been expected.
A BIA spokeswoman tells the Cape Cod Times the tribe can expect a call about the finding late tomorrow afternoon.
The BIA gave preliminary approval to the tribe last year. Formal recognition would not would not take effect for another 90 days.
Federal recognition would allow the tribe to place land in federal trust for its members, and to negotiate with the state for a possible resort casino. It would also have access to federal
funds for social programs.
The tribe has said its priority is housing for members who have not been able to afford their ancestral homeland.