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Tribal Trustees Charles K. Smith, II, Chairman James W. Eleazer Lance A. Gumbs |
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Statement on Federal Recognition The issue of federal recognition is a distracting legal argument used by those who are attempting to prevent our economic independence. The United States Supreme Court ruled that gaming is a matter of civil law, to be governed by individual Indian nations. The Shinnecock Indians are recognized by the state of New York as an independent, self-governing nation, and that has been the case for over 200 years. This historic, diplomatic government to government arrangement provides the foundation for the Shinnecock Nation to govern and conduct gaming on our tribal lands. State law strongly supports this legal position. |
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