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Eastern Pequot Chairman Slams Federal Change in Recognition

Connecticut Public Radio | By The Associated Press
Published July 7, 2015 at 12:05 PM EDT
David Maiolo
/
Creative Commons

The chairman of the Eastern Pequot Tribe says "dirty politics" are to blame for a federal rule preventing his tribe and two others from reapplying for recognition.

Dennis Jenkins tells The Day  that "backroom dealings" in Washington made sure Connecticut tribes denied recognition in the past would not get an opportunity to reapply for recognition allowing them to seek federal assistance and pursue casino development.

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs last month dropped a provision allowing three state-recognized tribes in Connecticut - the Eastern Pequots, Schaghticokes and Golden Hill Paugussetts - to reapply for recognition.

The Eastern Pequots won recognition in 2002. It was withdrawn three years later after the state and Ledyard, North Stonington and Preston objected. Jenkins has said he doesn't believe the tribe should pursue a casino. 
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