NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- A group challenging federal recognition of Virginia's Pamunkey Indian tribe has lost its case before the Interior Board of Indian Appeals.
The Washington Post reports that in July, the Pamunkey became the first Virginia tribe to receive federal recognition from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. In October, the recognition was put on hold when the group Stand Up for California issued a last-minute challenge to the decision.
Stand Up argued that the Pamunkey didn't meet requirements for recognition. The group seeks to impose stricter guidelines for tribal recognition.
In its ruling, the Indian appeals board said Stand Up had no standing to challenge the tribe's new status.
The tribe, which claims Pocahontas as an ancestor, will now receive all the benefits and rights of federally recognized tribes and can now pursue casino gambling.
