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Tribal Trustees Charles K. Smith, II, Chairman James W. Eleazer Lance A. Gumbs |
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June 23, 2003 For Immediate Release For more information, contact: The Shinnecock Nation Communications Office at 631-204-9301 Shinnecock Nation Launches Media Campaign to Gain Support for its Gaming Plans SOUTHAMPTON — The Shinnecock Nation wants to go into Indian gaming and has launched an historic media campaign to galvanize support for its plans. Full page newspaper advertising and a new Economic Development web site were launched earlier this month. Beginning Saturday, radio spots on five stations will be heard throughout eastern Long Island. Through this first of its kind campaign, the Shinnecocks seek to educate Long Islanders about the benefits of Indian gaming and enlist support. Supporters are encouraged to visit the website - www.shinnecocknation.com - and join the Citizens for Shinnecock Self-Reliance. A poll taken on behalf of the Nation by Mercury Public Affairs, a Manhattan-based firm, shows that the Shinnecocks in general are highly regarded by area residents and that 57.5 per cent of Suffolk County residents favor Indian gaming. However, the Shinnecocks believe that both local and state public officials are thwarting their economic development goals. The 1,500 member State recognized tribe believes that revenues from a gaming facility will help uplift the living standards of its members. The facility, which the Nation describes as "limited to tribal lands and moderate in scope," is to be built on tribal ancestral lands adjacent to the Town of Southampton. "All around us there is affluence," said Tribal Trustee Lance Gumbs, "but most Shinnecocks, and many others, are in need of vital services, such as housing, health care and education." |
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