Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Wins Federal Recognition

Breaking News

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, which had been seeking federal recognition for over three decades, received word of its success on Thursday from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The tribe promptly acknowledged that it will seek to purchase land to be placed in trust for the purpose of opening a casino in Massachusetts. Tribal officials claim the facility could be open for business within three years –- but given all of the legal and political hurdles the tribe has to clear, pretty optimistic, we’d say.

Boston Globe: "Mashpee Recognition Near"
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/02/15/mashpee_recognition_near/

CBS Local affiliate: "Wampanoag Tribe Receives Federal Recognition"
http://wbztv.com/topstories/local_story_046132927.html

NPR local affiliate: "Wampanoag Tribe Wins Recognition"
http://www.wbur.org/news/2007/64603_20070215.asp

More coverage from Indianz.com:
http://www.indianz.com/News/2007/000932.asp