The court also expressed serious concern about the State and Town's failure to come forward with relevant documents regarding tribal status and title to the West Woods parcel that it owns, where construction of a casino is proposed. The Court warned the State that it faces a 'big hurdle' in trying to deny the Tribe's existence and aboriginal rights, which the State itself affirmed in the 18th and 19th centuries and is supported in the over 5,500 pages turned over by the Tribe to the court.

The court also named the United States of America as a party, insuring that they are bound by the decision of the court. The addition of the United States of America as a party changes the dynamics of this litigation - the Town and State can no longer drag their feet in discussing a settlement regarding the future of a casino including alternative locations.

The Shinnecock Board of Trustees feels that the State and Town would prefer to drag their feet and stretch this case out while taxpayers in this community pick up the growing legal bill. It's time to end these baseless lawsuits brought against the Nation so that we can begin our quest for true self-reliance. We believe Assemblyman Fred Thiele and other officials should accept our invitation to resolve our differences and stop the expensive taxpayer litigation against its Indian neighbor of nearly 400 years.