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Tribal Trustees Charles K. Smith, II, Chairman James W. Eleazer Lance A. Gumbs |
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June 13, 2003 RESPONSE TO SUFFOLK LIFE EDITORIAL “IS GAMBLING THE ANSWER?” Indian Gaming Works
“Is Gambling The Answer?” appeared in the June 4th issue of Suffolk Life and addressed the issue of gaming in New York State, with the assertion that many other States have fully embraced this lucrative economic development tool to shore up failing State economies. There can be little argument that gaming, as an integral part of the entire country’s budgeting process, has indeed made an official entry and is fully accepted by the informed leadership of both individual States and the Administration. Native Americans, long the very last to be afforded opportunities to participate in, let alone live, the “American Dream” have been in the forefront of gaming ventures as a means of becoming more economically self-sufficient. In addition to addressing education, health, housing and other vital needs of Tribal members, great contributions have been made to the overall economy of their States. The Shinnecock Indian Nation has been a State Recognized Tribe since April 3, 1792 (Book of Indian Records), although the real history of Long Island’s indigenous people goes back 10,000 years. As stated in the newly formed Shinnecock Nation web site,(www.shinnecocknation.com), according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, federal recognition may not the necessary for some forms of gaming. For example, bingo, as a long-accepted recreational activity, takes place regularly in churches such as St. Judes in Mastic and other hubs of community life throughout Long Island and New York. Additionally, a Supreme Court decision of 1987 permits gaming on Indian lands if gambling is permitted elsewhere in the State. The state sponsored lottery is a form of gambling. It is furthermore very important to clarify the misconception presented in the editorial that Tribes who operate casinos do not contribute to the state coffers. That is, in fact, the very reason that Governor George Pataki is seriously considered gaming as part of the budgetary crisis solution, as stated in the opening paragraph of the article. Tribes who operate gaming facilities contribute major amounts of money. In many instances, it has been only through the funding provided by Indian gaming that some State budgetary crises have been abated. Indian gaming has provided 300,000 jobs nationwide, indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional local jobs, generates new economic development and saves taxpayers millions each year in reduced welfare payments that Native Americans no longer need. (National Indian Gaming Association, Indiangaming.org) Everyone wins through Indian gaming. One need only look at the other 28 sates that permit Indian gaming to see that Indian gaming facilities do no presuppose a loss to taxpayers, as you’ve stated. The editorial states that Suffolk Life supports designating a limited number of casinos around the State and even offers plans for implementation, including stressing that there are those who have great expertise in operating gambling enterprises. Many such entrepreneurs have sought out Tribal Nations because the United States Congress enacted Public Law (P.L100-497) the National Indian Gaming Act specifically to allow, and encourage, the indigenous people of this Nation to become economically self-sufficient and rectify the years of social and economic injustice perpetrated against them. Suffolk Life has long been a community newspaper and has a
responsibility to present both fair and factual information
to the public. We invite you to visit the newly launched Shinnecock
Indian Nation web site, and as well as to review and research
other sources of data regarding gaming of Native American Nations. |
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