“Thiele’s conclusions about the case seem both inappropriate and premature,” said Tribal Trustee Lance Gumbs. “The assessment as to the merits of the case remains distinctly within the purview of the Court. As usual, instead of progress, we’re getting posturing. And given that we are one step closer to Federal recognition, Thiele should stop wasting taxpayers time and money, because Indian gaming will be a reality.”

Secondly, Assemblyman Thiele’s dismissal of our supporting documentation from the New York State Attorney General’s office, which he calls “simply irrelevant,” and “a 16-year old letter from a staff attorney,” is wishful thinking on his part. Robert C. Batson was a principal legal advisor to the governor and the state’s lead attorney on Indian Law from 1977 to 1994. Assemblyman Thiele knows the Batson letter is relevant; he was the Town Attorney at the time. Still, he advocated for a Town taxpayer-funded lawsuit against its 400 year old neighbor.

Thirdly, once again, the Assemblyman and other local politicians are attempting to thwart our struggle for self-reliance. While we have agreed to meet with the politicians concerning non-casino economic development ideas, we again restate our intent: the Shinnecock Indian Nation will continue its pursuit of Indian Gaming on Shinnecock Indian Tribal land. We think a meeting is appropriate. We have offered dates, but we were turned down. Now we are waiting for them, Thiele and State Senator LaValle, to propose new dates for this meeting. And we will request that other community leaders, such as Mayor Joe Romanosky, be invited to attend.