After 30 years, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has finally agreed to make a decision on the federal recognition petition of the Shinnecock Nation of New York.

A settlement ends a lawsuit that the tribe filed in hopes of resolving its case. The BIA said it will make a preliminary decision by December 15, with a final determination to come in mid-2010.

The tribe has been assisted by the Native American Rights Fund. Larry EchoHawk, the new leader of the BIA, has said he will recuse himself from federal recognition decisions involving NARF, where his brother, John, serves as executive director.

Get the Story:
Shinnecock Indians Contemplate a Casino as They Close In on Federal Recognition (The New York Times 5/27)
Shinnecock settlement clears path for recognition (The Long Island Business News 5/27)

Recent Court Decision:
Shinnecock Nation v. Kempthorne (September 30, 2008)

Related Stories:
Shinnecock Nation expects recognition decision (4/6)