For
more information:
Ernie Corrigan – 617-426-3800, #113, 617-875-1229
Sutton,
MA June 18, 2004... After nearly 25 years in the Bureau
of Indian Affairs (BIA) federal recognition process, more than a
dozen questionable extensions and delays, and a proposed granting
of federal recognition (See attached BIA Release) subsequently reversed
in a precedent-breaking manner, The Nipmuc Nation (petition 69a)
has now been denied its recognition as an Indian tribe and sovereign
government within the meaning of federal law.
The ruling means The Nation will not qualify at this time for a
host of federal programs and benefits designed to help provide economic
self-sufficiency and increase greatly education opportunities, health
service benefits and private enterprise development for its 527
enrolled members, representing all different Nipmuc bands.
This would have enabled grants, funding guarantees, partnering with
community/regional/state entities and establishment of tribal majority-owned
enterprises through federal departments, bureaus and agencies including
the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Small Business Administration, Department
of Interior, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Defense
and many others.
Nipmuc Nation Chief Walter Vickers and Chairperson Fran Richardson
Garnett stated that, “This is just wrong. We have fought for
decades through every imaginable obstacle for this long-withheld
recognition, despite our people tracing back thousands of years
and recognition by the Commonwealth for more than 300 years. We
had a proposed positive finding first held and then illegally reversed
in 2001. We strongly considered litigation at the time as many tribes
have done, but wanted to continue to try to respect and work within
the system. We know who we are, as do our friends, neighbors and
elected officials from Central Massachusetts to Beacon Hill in Boston
to Congress in Washington. Now, we will take whatever course is
necessary to assure our deserved federal recognition.”
“Regardless of this additional hurdle, we wish to thank our
ancestors who provided the framework for our culture and who sacrificed
everything for us. We wish to thank our members for their assistance
and undying patience. We wish to recognize the efforts and support
of our advisors and of our political representatives. Congressman
McGovern and Senators Kennedy and Kerry, in particular, have been
unwavering in their assistance. Congressman Neil, Olver, Markey
and Lynch, all recent Governors, former Worcester City Manager Hoover
and Mayor Murray and members of our Central MA caucus – most
notably Senators Glodis and Moore and Representatives Carron, Kujawski,
Peterson, Frost, Fresolo and Binienda – have been with us,
side-by-side. Their continued support and that of others and our
neighbors will continue to be most helpful in the months and years
ahead.”
The Nipmuc Nation will now announce specific courses of action shortly.
In the meantime, it continues its work from its Sutton, MA headquarters,
including operation of its Nipmuc Nation Transportation Service
company service those in need, including the handicapped.
