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The oldest self-governing Tribe of Indians in the United States. |
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Tribal Trustees Charles K. Smith, II, Chairman James W. Eleazer Lance A. Gumbs |
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November 4th, 2003
The Shinnecock Indian
Nation Introduces Themselves
to Washington Lawmakers Historic first meeting between the leaders of the two nations Washington, D.C. – Representatives of the Shinnecock Indian Nation concluded a trip last week to introduce themselves to fellow elected leaders in Congress. The historic meetings were the first nation-to-nation meeting where leaders from the Shinnecock Nation met with Congressional Representatives in Washington, D.C. Tribal leaders hailed the trip as the first step in establishing a working relationship with lawmakers in Washington. The meetings, which came on the heels of growing support for the Shinnecock in their community of Southampton, provided an opportunity to introduce themselves, their people and their history to Legislators. They also updated those they met with on the status of the Tribe’s recently completed application for Federal Recognition of the Shinnecock by the Federal Government and a educated those they met with about issues of sovereignty and the unique challenges that the Tribe faces in their quest for economic self-sufficiency. “We hope these meetings are the first of many between the people of our Nation and the leaders in Washington,” said Tribal Spokesman Lance Gumbs. “We look forward to many more opportunities to work with members of Congress in achieving federal recognition and economic self-sufficiency for our Tribe and its members.” Tribal leaders met with the New York Congressional Delegation, Colorado Native American Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s office as well as senior staff of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Congressman Tim Bishop (D- NY-1st) expressed appreciation for the visit, stating “The Shinnecock Indians are my neighbors. I am pleased to have met with them today to discuss their federal recognition efforts, the health care and educational needs of the Shinnecock people and their goal of economic self-reliance. In meetings between the elected leaders of the two nations that lasted throughout the day on Wednesday, October 29th, discussions centered on the Tribe’s current push for federal recognition. The Shinnecock feel that federal recognition is an important step on the road to economic independence. The Tribe has established a long history with settlers and the state of New York beginning when boats first landed on their shores over 400 years ago. They are the oldest self-governing Tribe in the country and have been recognized by the State of New York for over 200 years. Their desire to become federally recognized is a long standing goal dating back to 1978 Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY-4th) stated, “I
support the Shinnecock in their goal to achieve federal recognition
and I look forward to working with their Congressman Tim Bishop
on this important issue.” |
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