Others were concerned that it might result in too much government intervention in local matters. The majority, however, thought federal recognition would give them more control over their own destiny. Treaty issues also were a factor. Local tribal leader Arthur Duhamel had been arrested several times during the 1970s for fishing with traditional tribal gill nets. Federal recognition brought several things - jobs, better housing, gaming operations, prosperity.
Many tribal members think it also fueled a cultural re-awakening in many families.
It gives you a little protection to step forward and say, 'We're Indian and we're proud of it'. In its infancy, much of the band's efforts centered on establishing a tribally-owned reservation in Peshawbestown and approval of a tribal constitution. Few things came easily to the fledgling band because it didn't obtain reservation status for the original 12 -acre site until 1984, and tribal members didn't ratify their constitution until 1988. It's sort of like a marriage. There are hard times and there are good times.