TAUNTON (AP) - The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is defending historical claims to land in Taunton where it hopes to build a resort casino.
The Pocasset and two other Indian tribes questioned those ties Wednesday at a hearing held by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs on the Mashpee's land-into-trust application.
As part of its bid, the Cape Cod-based tribe must demonstrate historical ties to the 146-acre industrial site in East Taunton. Mashpee tribal chairman Cedric Cromwell said the tribe had villages there centuries ago when the area was known by its Indian name, Cohannet.
But representatives of the other tribes said there was no evidence the Mashpee had a significant presence in the territory.
The bureau's review of the application could take up to two years and will include an environmental impact statement.
