Tribal Trustees Charles Smith, Chairman, Lance Gumbs and James Eleazer Jr. issued the following statement:

“We do not view this ruling as a set back. Our history in Long Island is long and our roots are deep. We have witnessed many incomprehensible acts and decisions since the first boats landed on our shores four hundred years ago. The people of the Shinnecock Indian Nation have prevailed in the past and we will do whatever it takes in the future to reach self-reliance. We will continue our quest for economic development. We will continue our dream of providing a better quality of life for our members. And we will continue our pursuit of an Indian gaming facility on our Tribal ancestral land.”