Tribe Nears Recognition Necessary to Open New York Casinos

The Shinnecock Tribe of New York received news its application for federal recognition will be reviewed before the end of the year, potentially clearing the way for tribal casinos on Long Island.

A federal judge signed a commitment this week that will force the US Department of the Interior to rule on recognizing the Shinnecock Indian Nation by the end of the year. With most signs pointing to acceptance, Shinnecock leaders are anticipating bringing casino gambling to Long Island.

Shinnecock officials say the quick movement now on the process of national recognition is the culmination of three decades of grinding hard work. Aside from gaming, federal status clarification would open up a variety of social programs and federal grants for the impoverished five hundred reservation residents.

"We finally see light at the end of the tunnel," said Randy King, chairman of the Shinnecock trustees.

King and the Shinnecock trustees are now pushing to advance their forthcoming advantage. They wrote a formal letter to New York Governor David Paterson, asking that the state begin negotiations "to ensure that our quest for economic justice is not delayed any longer.

"We are fully prepared to pursue that economic justice, including gaming opportunities, so that our people have the housing, health care, schools and jobs that we need," said the letter.

Suffolk County lawmakers anticipated the tribe featuring a casino in their area, despite King's insistence the tribe would consider casinos in any community desiring them.

"They're a Suffolk tribe and this belongs in Suffolk," said Wayne Horsley, a Suffolk Representative. Horsley has formed a group to study potential casino operations in the region.