While the whale of choice that Shinnecock ancestors' sought from their dugout canoes was the slow swimming "right whale," the federally-protected 60-foot finback whale that beached last week on the ocean opposite Shinnecock's Point is still a good omen for the Tribe. It has been a very long time since prayers have been able to thank so large a visitor for coming or to assist its spirit in making the journey back to Creator.

After the necropsy (same as an autopsy), to be conducted by the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research, parts of the whale—baleen strands—will be preserved for the Nation and displayed at the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum.

ALERT: On February 10th, Shinnecock Tribal Trustee Lance Gumbs testified before the US House of Representatives' Committee on Resources. Chairmen Richard Pombo invited Mr. Gumbs back before the committee after his March '04 testimony to further discuss the federal recognition process tribes must complete with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to obtain recognition from the United States Government. . To read Mr. Gumbs testimony, click here.

ALERT: The Town of Southampton has authorized another $150,000 to fight our Tribal Nation's goal of economic self-sufficiency. To date, the Town of Southampton has spent over $732,000 in direct tax-payer money, and close to $1 million overall, to pursue a lawsuit against our people: Click here to see how your money is being spent.

The Shinnecock Indian Nation thanks our tribal members and neighboring community for making our 58th annual Powwow a success. Click here to view photos of the event.

The Shinnecock Indian Nation has released a short film on Public Access, Channel 20, introducing the Tribe's proud history, cultural heritage and ongoing quest for economic self-sufficiency to their Hampton neighbors. The ten minute feature, entitled, "Our Land, Our Future," explores the Tribe's ongoing quest to create new jobs, to obtain better healthcare, and to maintain a strong self reliant community for their people.

View Film (Download Quicktime Player)

A poll conducted by Hofstra University showed growing support for a Shinnecock Indian gaming facility in Long Island. News 12 Long Island, which commissioned the Hofstra poll, reported on April 30 that 63% of Long Island residents approve of the Shinnecock Indians plan to build an Indian gaming facility. The results indicate an increase in support from a year ago when a similar poll was conducted by Mercury Public Affairs. This news strongly contradicts a poll drafted, conducted and released by Assemblyman Fred Thiele several weeks ago.

Here is the breakdown:
63% approve
32% disapprove
5% undecided

On March 31st, Shinnecock Tribal Trustee Lance Gumbs testified before the US House of Representatives' Committee on Resources. Chairmen Richard Pombo invited Mr. Gumbs and leaders of five other Indian Nations to discuss the federal recognition process tribes must complete with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to obtain recognition from the United States Government. The Tribe last testified before Congress over 104 years ago. To read Mr. Gumbs testimony, click here. Click here to read the press release.

Lance Gumbs, Tribal Trustee of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, testifies before the House Resources Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, seeking speedier federal recognition of his Long Island tribe, on Wednesday, March 31, 2004.

(Photo by MATTHEW CAVANAUGH)

The Shinnecock Nation launched a new series of ads this week aimed at clarifying some misconception released by Assemblyman Fred Thiele. The ad will run in the Southampton Press. Additionally, we are running an ad called "The Real Winners" in the Independent showing that everyone wins if a Shinnecock Indian facility is built.

On March 9, The Town of Southampton appropriated another $250,000 to fight us. The total in less than one year has now reached nearly $750,000 or almost $100,000 a month since our quest for economic self-reliance began. View Budget

On December 23, The Town of Southampton appropriated another $101k for casino-related expenses. View budget