The Shinnecock Indian Nation is one of the oldest, continuously self-governing tribes in the United Sates. The Nation has been recognised by the state of New York for more than 200 years and in 1978 the tribe applied for federal recognition. Some 25 years later, in 2003, the Bureau of Indian Affairs placed the Shinnecock on its ‘Ready for Active’ list. Having battled with the results of pesticide use on their lands leased to local farmers, which caused pollution of their drinking water supply, the failure of their shellfish hatchery also from pollution, and rainstorms over the last two years that have caused budgeting problems, Indian gaming seems the solution to attaining self-sufficiency.

On 14 June 2010 the Shinnecock Nation finally achieved federal acknowledgement of its existence. Unless there is a challenge to the right, the Shinnecock will become a federally recognized tribe on 20 July. The Town of Southampton has spent years and millions of dollars in fighting attempts by the tribe to gain recognition. Now negotiations with the tribe, as they push for the right to operate casinos, will probably encompass their claims to more than US$1 billion worth of land in the Hamptons, including the site of the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

More than 600 Shinnecock live on an 800-acre reservation next to the Town of Southampton, on the East End of Long Island. All concerned – the tribe, the state, and local authorities – prefer the siting of a casino elsewhere but the tribe would need federal permission for an off-reservation gaming operation, which is likely to meet strong opposition. Possible interest in a casino at either Aqueduct or Belmont racetrack has met with resistance from the Governor of New York, who is counting on commercial bids for Aqueduct Racetrack to help balance the budget. Tribal representatives have said they are still considering all options regarding a potential site for a casino. (E-06.30.10)

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