Wampanoag Tribe Wins Recognition

A Massachusetts Native American tribe has received a critical federal ruling, after a thirty two year effort.

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe of Cape Cod is now recognized as a sovereign nation by the federal government.

The recognition means the tribe has access to federal funds and grants that were previously unavailable.

It can now also place land in federal trust for its members and negotiate with the state for a possible resort casino.

The Mashpee Wampanoag are descended from the Native Americans who greeted the pilgrims at Plymouth more than four hundred years ago.