American Indian Leaders attending conference say process to gain federal recognition too slow

Leaders of American Indian tribes seeking federal recognition asked lawmakers for help Wednesday, saying the Bureau of Indian Affairs has taken too long to process their applications.

"With delay, comes a terrible human cost," said John Sinclair, president of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana, at a hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

By DIANA MARRERO
Tribune Washington Bureau

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070920/NEWS01/709200302/1002