The Shinnecock Nation of New York is asking the federal government to turn over the bones of a 60-foot-long fin whale that washed up on the shores of Long Island.

The tribe wants to use the remains in ceremonies and put the bones up for display in the tribal museum. "Whales are a significant part of our history," trustee Lance Gumbs told The New York Post.

The 120,000-pound female whale is undergoing an autopsy to find out why it died.

Get the Story:
TRIBE SEEKS ITS 'SHINN' BONES (The New York Post 4/6)
Dead Whale Washed Ashore In Southampton (AP 4/5)
Land Blubber: 60-Foot Whale Washes Up Dead (The Hamptons Independent 4/5)
Washed-up whale to get careful study (The New York Daily News 4/5)

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