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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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March 1, 2004
Shinnecock Tribal Trustees and
Congressman Charles Rangel Meet for the First Time Meeting Focuses on Federal Recognition and Status of Shinnecock Petition
 New York, NY. – Tribal Trustees of the Shinnecock Indian Nation met with Congressman Charles Rangel of New York's 15th district on Friday to introduce themselves and discuss the Tribe's quest for federal recognition. The historic meeting was the Tribe's first with the Congressman.
The Shinnecock Nation has been waiting in line for federal recognition for decades despite its thoroughly documented history with the State of New York and the United States government. The Congressman pledged his friendship and support for the Shinnecock Indian Nation and assured Tribal Trustees that he would continue to work with fellow New York Congressman, U.S. Representative Tim Bishop, to advocate for federal recognition for the Shinnecock people with administration representatives in Washington. "We have a great deal of respect for Congressman Rangel and we thank him for meeting with us to discuss our federal recognition petition. It is an arduous and often complex process despite our historic relationship with the State and Federal government. We've been recognized by the State for over 200 years and we are commonly acknowledged as one of the longest self-governing Tribes in the county," said Tribal Trustee Lance Gumbs. Congressman Rangel serves as the Dean of New York State Congressional Delegation and is founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, which he formerly chaired.
##### The Shinnecock Indian Nation is one of the longest, continuously self-governing Tribes in the country. The more than 1300-member State recognized Tribe believes that revenues from a gaming facility will help bring true self-reliance to the Shinnecock people and improve the quality of life. For more information, please visit our Web Site at Shinnecocknation.com or call our Communications team at 631-204-9301. |
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