Black Caucus Wants Withholding Of Recognition Of Indian Tribe Because Of Racist Past

Posted by | November 28, 2014 20:00 | Filed under: News Behaving Badly Politics Top Stories


The Congressional Black Caucus is urging the Obama administration to not recognize a Virginia Indian tribe because of hits history of banning intermarriage with blacks.

In January, the Interior Department proposed recognizing the Pamunkey tribe in southeast Virginia, which would make members eligible for special benefits in education, housing and medical care — and allow the tribe to pursue a casino. A decision on recognition, which would be the first for a Virginia tribe, is due by March 30.

The Congressional Black Caucus members urged Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Attorney General Eric Holder to hold off until the Justice Department investigates any discriminatory practices by the tribe. Neither department has responded to the request, made in a Sept. 23 letter, according to a spokeswoman for Mississippi Democrat Bennie Thompson, who signed the letter.

The letter cited a report by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Indian Affairs that quoted tribal law: “No member of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe shall intermarry with anny (sic) Nation except White or Indian under penalty of forfeiting their rights in Town.”

The bureau said there was no indication the tribe had changed its ban, but Pamunkey Chief Kevin Brown responded in a letter to the CBC that the ban has been repealed. He said in an interview that the change was made in 2012.

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By: Alan

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14 responses to Black Caucus Wants Withholding Of Recognition Of Indian Tribe Because Of Racist Past

  1. Red Eye Robot November 29th, 2014 at 07:37

    Democrats deny status to real American Indians and Celebrate Elizabeth “Fauxcahontas” Warren.

  2. Red Eye Robot November 29th, 2014 at 08:37

    Democrats deny status to real American Indians and Celebrate Elizabeth “Fauxcahontas” Warren.

  3. Gidawdah November 29th, 2014 at 17:23

    I am supportive of the Pamunky Tribe having to change its policy.

  4. Gidawdah November 29th, 2014 at 18:23

    I am supportive of the Pamunky Tribe having to change its policy.

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