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Governor Douglas signed Indian Recognition Bill into law
Mark Mitchell
May 15, 2010

Governor Douglas signed S.222, (An act relating to state recognition of Native American Indian tribes in Vermont), into law in the Governor's ceremonial office, on the second floor of the State House.

The State of Vermont will now have in place a criteria and process for State Recognition of Native American Indian Tribes.

This comes four years after S117 was signed into law.

The Commission in 2006 identified S117 contained a major flaw that ended up falling short of its intent and immobilized the established authority of the newly formed Commission.

With the transitional provisions provided within S.222 all present members of the Commission on Native American Affairs terms shall be deemed expired.

The present members will not be able to reapply for an appointment to the Commission for two years.

Governor Douglas will appoint nine members to the Commission, provided a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been submitted.

This in itself could take months and possibly be left for the next elected Governor to address.

Let the process begin.......................................................