Citing significant public interest, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs has extended the public comment period for a proposal that would change the procedure for officially recognizing Native American tribes.
The BIA extended the hearing period by 60 days, and will now accept written public comments through Sept. 30.
The BIA proposal could have considerable impact on Connecticut, which is home to three tribes previously denied federal recognition, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Attorney General George P. Jepsen and members of the state’s Congressional delegation have both argued in comments submitted to the BIA.
Federal recognition of the Eastern Pequots, the Golden Hill Paugussetts and the Schaghticokes could lead to tribal land claims in developed areas, as well as new casinos, critics of the BIA proposal have argued.
Malloy has asked the BIA to hold a hearing on the proposal in Connecticut.
“Given the unique and profound effect this proposed rule would have on our state, Connecticut residents deserve an opportunity to express their views in person with BIA officials, and not just as part of a 50-state teleconference,” Malloy said in a statement this week.
Even if the proposal is ultimately approved, it’s not entirely clear how the process would play out.
In June, New London newspaper The Day reported that the Eastern Pequots were angered by a proposed provision they said would effectively allow the state to veto a re-petitioning for federal recognition.
