Sovereignty is in the news these days.
It's in Rhode Island, where tempers are running hot in an ongoing skirmish between the Narragansett Indian Tribe and state attorney general over whether the tribe can sell tax-free tobacco.
It's in the Hamptons, where the Shinnecock Indian Nation has begun to clear land for a casino, contravening local zoning and state gaming laws.
The Aquinnah selectmen heard a distinct plea from their up-Island neighbors this week to formally appeal the recent superior court decision that found the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) cannot be sued because of sovereign immunity.
Aquinnah Case in Towns' Eye
Up-Island Selectmen Will Meet; Neighbors Support an Appeal of Ruling That Favored Tribe on Zoning
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer
The town of Aquinnah will join the Gay Head Taxpayers Association in asking a superior court judge for reconsideration of his recent decision in favor of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).
Although the Aquinnah selectmen have agreed to join the move to reconsider, they have not yet decided whether to take the next step and appeal.
In a land-use decision that has potentially far-reaching implications for every town on the Vineyard, a superior court judge ruled last week that the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) cannot be sued because of sovereign immunity.
If allowed to stand, the ruling by the Hon. Richard F. Connon has the power to turn a landmark 1983 Indian land claims settlement on its head.
A shed and a pier in the tiny town of Aquinnah were the fulcrum for court arguments this week that will ultimately test the question of whether the
Town and Tribe Collide in Court
Case Set for Wednesday Hearing Has Far-Reaching Implications; Outcome Hinges on Issue of Tribal Sovereignty
By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer