The chairman of Vermont’s Commission on Native American Affairs is resigning, and blaming the Legislature for failing to set up a mechanism by which groups can become recognized as tribes.
The Senate passed, but the House failed to take action this year on a bill that would have clarified the process for state tribal recognition, and Mark Mitchell says his role as chairman of the commission has become too frustrating as a result.
Jason Gibbs, the spokesman for Gov. Jim Douglas, says the governor is disappointed to see Mitchell go, but agrees with his frustration about the inaction in the Vermont House.