The Shinnecock Nation of New York is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the state of New York.

In court papers, the tribe says it is recognized as a sovereign by the state. Therefore, it can't be sued without its consent, the tribe argues.

The state sued the tribe to stop a proposed bingo hall. The state says the tribe is subject to local laws.

The tribe has applied for federal recognition and its petition is "ready" for review. But the Bureau of Indian Affairs is years away from taking on the case, according to recent documents.

Get the Story:
Shinnecock claim sovereignty in plea to dismiss suit (Newsday 8/1)
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Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Shinnecock Nation - http://www.shinnecocknation.com

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