Chief Sachem lashes out at Governor

UNDATED (WPRI) - A tribal land dispute.

This week the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to block the federal government's ability to hold parcels of land for certain Indian tribes.

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas of the Narragansett Indian Tribe says the ruling only fuels the feud between the Tribe and Governor Don Carcieri.

The Chief was a guest on this week's Newsmakers.

He says the Governor's opposition to the tribe's endeavors is based on racial prejudice.

During Newsmakers, Arlene Violet asked Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas if he thinks the Governor is racist or prejudice.

Chief Thomas said "I think the Governor's prejudice. i'll say that on t.v. i'll say that anywhere.

Chief Thomas also says the Governor's cabinet reflects that attitude.

"The only thing of color i see are the curtains. He may have a few people of color around him but I think he's prejudice."

Governor Don Carcieri responded with, "that kind of stuff I dont even respond to it's just so outrageous.

The Governor says he's always had respect for the tribe, and just because they disagree over a casino issue, "I think it's a disgraceful thing for him to say because I disagree about something that's its based on racism that's awful."

Chief Thomas says its not just with the tribe, "the Governor's approach on the immigration issue has not sat well with other minority groups."

"I think he has not done a very good job because he is not willing to sitdown with people in the minority communities to find what the real issues are."

The Governor says he has been accessible and has met with the tribe in the past.

On the now infamous disputed land, the Chief says he's meeting with other tribes nationwide, also affected by the court's decision, to try and lobby support in washington.

If you want to watch the entire interview with Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas click here.