The Shinnecock Nation of New York waited too long to file its land claim, a federal judge ruled last week.

The tribe claimed 3,600 acres on Long Island. But U.S. District Court Judge Thomas C. Platt said the passage of time called for the dismissal of the "disruptive" lawsuit.

"Over 140 years passed between the alleged wrongful dispossession and the attempt to regain possession," Platt said in the 13-page decision [PDF].

Platt cited the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sherrill v. Oneida Nation and the 2nd Circuit decision in Cayuga Nation v. New York. He said the Shinnecocks were asserting nearly the same claims at the other two New York tribes.

The Shinnecock Nation is recognized by the state. Platt previously ruled that the tribe was Indian, for purposes of federal law.

Get the Story:
Ruling aside, tribe plans to build casino (Newsday 12/6)

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 Nation - http://www.shinnecocknation.com

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