Big Sandy Tribe Wants Recognition

(AP)  A group of Indians in Aitkin county says the Bureau of Indian Affairs must recognize them. 

The Sandy Lake Band of Mississippi Chippewa is suing BIA officials to get back on the federally recognized tribes list.   They say a an 1825 treaty recognized the group as its own tribe.  They say without the designation, they can't get services. 

Sandy Lake Band Chairwoman Sandy Skinaway says there are about 90 people in the group.  She says it is not about the money, but about maintaining identity and giving their children a sense of history.