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Feds delay Mont. tribe’s recognition request

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Sep 28, 2009

Story Updated: Sep 28, 2009

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – The Department of Interior has again delayed its long-stalled decision on whether a landless Montana Indian tribe deserves federal recognition.

The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians date their quest for recognition to the 1860s, when a small band of American Indians led by Chief Little Shell was cut out of a treaty signed with federal authorities.

The tribe has about 4,300 members and is recognized by the state of Montana. It submitted its federal recognition application in 1978.

The new decision deadline is Oct. 26, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs George Skibine wrote in a letter sent Sept. 22 to the tribe.

Skibine wrote that the deadline was pushed back because the final decision is still under legal review. The same reason was offered for a 60-day delay announced in July.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Wednesday, Sep 30 at 3:28 PM Sarah LeDeau wrote ...

Hmm...After waiting over 30 years wha's another 4 week delay? Gee wiz...the excuses are tiresome.Just decide!

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