Link to Case
Keywords: Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, Administrative Procedure Act, “Improper Political Influence”, Vacancies Reform Act
Panel: Miner, Cabranes, and Korman (EDNY)
Opinion by: Per Curiam
Appeal from: D. Conn. (Dorsey, USDJ)
Result: Affirmed
The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation challenges the determination of the Department of the Interior refusing to recognize its tribal existence on the grounds that it was the result of “improper political influence” (objections by Connecticut elected officials) or because the determination was not made by the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs. The Court affirms the dismissal of the district court because there is no showing that the determination was based on irrelevant factors or influenced by the objections, and because the determination was appropriately made by a “designated representative” of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs.
