And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Federal judge denies tribe's request for speedy federal recognition http://www.newstimes.com/news/today/rgd.htm HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ A federal judge has denied the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation's request for a speedy ruling on its bid for federal recognition, leaving the decision to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. In a March 31 ruling released this week, U.S. District Court Judge Peter C. Dorsey denied ``without prejudice'' the Kent-based tribe's motion, arguing that the BIA has ``primary jurisdiction'' over federal recognition. The Schaghticokes asked the court to decide the tribe's federal status to shortcut the lengthy BIA process, which was estimated last year to be three to five years. The judge also denied the tribe's request for the court to consolidate two land claim lawsuits, filed along with the other request last June. ``Congress created the (BIA's) procedures for federal acknowledgment to achieve a uniform approach to eligibility,'' Dorsey said. Federal recognition allows tribes to take advantage of certain federal programs and privileges including grants, and gives them status as a sovereign nation on their reservations. But the reservation would still come under the guidelines of the federal government. Dorsey said allowing the court to determine the Schaghticokes' federal status would set a precedent for the more than 100 other Indian tribes petitioning for federal acknowledgment. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
