The AT in CT runs through this tribe’s land in Kent. They just received federal recognition but it is being contested by our attorney general.
This probably won’t change anything for us 2004 hikers, except for slot machines at Mt. Algo shelter. 
Dharma
in 2000 they shut the trail off thru their property… Hungry Howie got caught up in it all…
aswah
Why the hell would that be contested?
Honestly, if we can shell out trillions of dollars to tear up and rebuild the Middle East, then what’s the problem with this?
bearbait
bearbait, There are many privileges that come with being a ‘recognized’ Indian Tribe. One of which is the right to build casinos. There are groups, wishing to get recognition for that purpose, which are unable to fit the requirements to qualify as an Indian Tribe. The Ramapoughs in New Jersey/New York are one such group.
I do wonder about the relevance of your second question, however. What do billions of dollars wasted in the Middle East have to do with whether a group of people in Connecticut qualify as an Indian Tribe?
Harry Dolphin
You said it yourself. Federally recognized tribes accrue many privileges, including monetary aid.
Why do you think there are so many un-recognized tribes out there? It’s just another slap in the face, to have your heritage blatantly and purposefully ignored by the Government that initially wiped out more than half of the original population, then to see them turn around and spend so much money in vain. A huge slap in the face.
I’m sorry for bringing it on here, but that is a sore spot for me, and I think it’s a bunch of crap.
I’m done talking about it though, here at least.
bearbait
doesn’t say mention the AT or what potential impact this might have on the trail. I gathered, though, that they already had state recognition, which makes me wonder why, if the trail goes across their property, they felt the need to shut it down in 2000. Was it part of a protest in their bid to get federal recognition, or was there some other issue? Are they likely to close the trail if the federal recognition is upheld, or would they place restrictions on hikers passing through?
The FT passes through the Seminole reservation in South Florida, and the tribe requires that hikers get permission before hiking that portion of the trail. I don’t think it’s anything more than a formality, but it has to be observed. Perhaps the Schaghticoke would adopt the same policy.
Ardsgaine
Our local paper (Danbury, CT) reported this morning that
state officials are submitting a protest of the ruling.
The officials mostly don’t want another indian casio in
this state. My concern is if the officials are successful
in overturning this, will the tribe close off access to
their property. This may drag on for a long time.
socks