''The reservation belongs to all Schaghticokes," Alan Russell, the Schaghticoke Indian Tribe faction's chairman, said Saturday. ''We want to start our economic development program here."
Russell's group, which is seeking federal recognition, says it is the true Schaghticoke tribe. Like the rival Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, the Schaghticoke Indian Tribe also is interested in developing a casino or bingo hall.
The reservation, which was once more than 1,000 acres but has been reduced during hundreds of years of land sales, has been at the center of contention over tribal recognition. The Bureau of Indian Affairs in October denied federal recognition of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.
State politicians and Kent officials strongly opposed recognition, fearing the tribe would try to open a casino.
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation members said Saturday that they were pulling back because they had no interest in clashing with Russell's group. They said they are focused on a court appeal of the Indian Bureau's decision.
''We've got bigger battles to fight," said Michael Pane, vice chairman of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. ''I'm just shrugging my shoulders."
Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Chief Richard Velky said Russell's takeover was ''ridiculous at this stage of the game."
''We are looking for federal recognition," he said.
