Fate of Schaghticoke Nation Recognition Uncertain Under Trump BIA

Image: Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, YouTube

The Biden BIA was ready to grant federal recognition to the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation in January 2024. Since President Trump was sworn into office of January 20, 2025, the fate of that decision is unclear.

On the actual BIA website, there is a warning to the reader that "You are viewing ARCHIVED content published online before January 20, 2025. Please note that this content is NOT UPDATED, and links may not work. Additionally, any previously issued diversity, equity and inclusion or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded."

It is unclear under Trumpism, if recognizing another Indian tribe constitutes "diversity, equity and inclusion," making prior approvals null and void.

In 2024, then BIA principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Aurene Martin acknowledged that the Schaghticoke people have been living in Connecticut for thousands of years, and that the colony of Connecticut granted them a reservation in 1739. After US independence, the state of Connecticut continued to recognize the Schaghticoke people. However, modern amenities, such as electricity, were never extended to the reservation.

‍

The Schaghticoke people have mostly moved to areas off-reservation, but still maintain tribal affiliation with each other. Political interests in Connecticut have opposed federal recognition, stating any commercial development on the Rez would disturb the small town atmosphere of nearby Kent, CT. Two other tribes, the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans, operate casinos at the other end of the state.

If Schaghticoke people become a recognized tribal nation, they will have the closest federal Indian reservation to New York City, even closer than the Shinnecock Rez on Long Island, NY. Two state tribes, the Unkechaug and Ramapough Lenape are located even closer to the largest city in America.

‍

‍