The Shinnecock Indian Nation has renewed its faith in the federal courts to which it has sought shelter and the rule of law. Yesterday, the Federal District Court ordered an immediate trial on the merits of the legal action brought by the State and the Town against the Shinnecock and their goal to open an Indian gaming casino. The court said that it would not tolerate a delay on the part of the State or Town. The court also suggested that a Special Magistrate be appointed to negotiate a settlement between the parties.

“We agreed with the court’s suggestion that a Special Magistrate be appointed to facilitate a negotiated settlement,” said Tribal Trustee Lance Gumbs. “We’ve been asking the Town and the State to ‘come to the circle’ for months to discuss our differences. We hope this will bring about an end to the lawsuits filed by the State and the Town against its neighbor of nearly four-hundred years.”