Shinnecock Nation, town still at odds over land

Tuesday, December 18, 2007  

The Shinnecock Nation and the town of Southampton, New York, are still at odds over the tribe's ancestral property on Long Island.

The tribe owns 79 acres in fee, outside its state-recognized reservation. A federal judge in October said the tribe could not assert sovereignty on the parcel because it lost aboriginal title centuries ago.

Judge Joseph Bianco, a Bush appointee, has since ordered the two sides to come to an agreement over a proposed injunction that would bar the tribe from opening a casino on the parcel or engaging in other activities that go against town laws. But tribal leaders say the town is going too far and is trying to restrict the use of the land for cultural ceremonies and community activities.

"They can't tell us if we're breaking the law or not," tribal trustee Lance Gumbs told Newsday. "Do we have to get a permit to build a bonfire?"

Town leaders, on the other hand, say it's the tribe that's going too far and sought language to allow activities that violate zoning laws.

Get the Story:
Shinnecocks irked by Southampton blocking casino (Newsday 12/17)

Gaming Court Decision:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Land Claim Court Decision:
Shinnecock Nation v. New York (November 28, 2006)

Federal Recognition Court Decision:
New York v. Shinnecock Nation (November 7, 2005)

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

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

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