U.S. Clears Way to Recognition for Shinnecock Tribe

[Pirate Smile]

Source: The New York Times


A portrait from about 1895 shows Shinnecock indians who lived on Long Island.

The Obama administration said Tuesday that the Shinnecock Indians on Long Island meet the criteria for federal recognition, signaling the end of a 30-year court battle and clearing a path for the tribe to pursue its plans for a casino in New York City or its suburbs.

The announcement all but assures that the 1,066-member Shinnecock Indian Nation will receive formal federal recognition, though a public-comment period of up to six months must be held before the final order is issued.

The news could mean significant changes for the relatively poor tribe, most of whose members live on 800 acres in Southampton, N.Y., not far from some of Long Island’s wealthiest communities and expansive celebrity-owned estates.
Shinnecock leaders have long argued that a casino could turn around the tribe’s fortunes.

“This recognition comes after years of anguish and frustration for many members of our Nation, living and deceased,” Randy King, chairman of the Shinnecock trustees, said in a statement, adding, “Perhaps this recognition will help some of our neighbors better understand us and foster a new mutual respect.”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/nyregion/16tribe.html?_r=1&src=twt&twt=nytimespolitics

[BR_Parkway]

1. Maybe they can take back Wall St -

[WriteDown]

2. This brings up interesting isssues....

Will they now get their burial ground back which is now a high class golf club? Will they get the casino they've been asking for for years? Seems like the answer to both these questions should be yes, but I have have a sneaking suspicion it won't be the case.

[WriteDown]

3. Kicking back up to the top. nt

[Jazzgirl]

4. Wow, that is interesting. My Grandmother was raised on

that reservation. Her mother was half Irish and half Shinnecock and was a teacher. Her father got his freedom from slavery as a Presbyterian minister on the reservation. I am glad to see them finally get some recognition.

[WriteDown]

5. That is AWESOME!

Bet she had some interesting stories. This brings up tons of issues though which I cited in post 2. My tribe has similar problems so I'll be keeping a close eye on this.