The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation lost an appeal to overturn a Bureau of Indian Affairs denial of federal tribal recognition.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal argued that the Kent-based group has not existed as a continuous political and social entity. The group claims it was first recognized by European settlers in 1699.
Led for two decades by Chief Richard Velky, the Schaghiticoke group has 300 members and is one of several in western Connecticut to seek federal tribal recognition, which could pave the way for them to open gambling casinos. Blumenthal has fought those attempts, which could siphon revenue from the massive Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun and MGM Grand casinos in eastern Connecticut.
Under federal rules, the Schaghiticoke group can appeal the BIA decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
