A court case lasting nearly a decade has ended in favor of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.
The matter involved two parcels in Falmouth and Taunton, totaling 321 acres.
These were placed in trust in 2015 by the US Department of Interior.
About two dozen Taunton residents filed suit and charged the tribe did not fall under the federal definition of "Indian."
Last February, a US District Court judge ruled the tribe did meet the standard and this week the US Supreme Court chose not to hear the appeal.
Tribal members now may continue talks on what to do with the parcels. A casino has been considered, along with a tribal school.
(Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP / Getty Images