The leader of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation in Connecticut said the tribe isn't giving up its efforts to win federal recognition, even after the U.S. Supreme Court refused this week to hear the tribe’s appeal.
Chief Richard Velky said the Kent-based Schaghticokes have 25 days to request a rehearing before the nation's highest court. He also said going to Congress could be a last resort.
The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs granted the tribe recognition in 2004. But that decision was later reversed after state officials argued the tribe had gaps in evidence related to its social continuity and political governance.
A federal appeals court rejected the tribe's appeal of the recognition reversal last year.
The Schaghticokes have had a state-recognized reservation since the mid-1700s.
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