The Shinnecock Nation of New York should gain federal recognition in the next few months.

The tribe won a preliminary determination from the Bureau of Indian Affairs last December. No one objected to the ruling, Newsday reported, paving the way for a final determination by the middle of this year.

The tribe has lived on a state-recognized reservation on Long Island since 1703. The tribe's current form of government has been in operation since then, the BIA said.

Since 2000, the BIA has only recognized two tribes through its regulatory process. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts won recognition in May 2007.

Get the Story:
Shinnecocks steps away from federal recognition (Newsday 3/30)

Recent Court Decision:
Shinnecock Nation v. Kempthorne (September 30, 2008)

Related Stories:
Shinnecock Nation wins federal recognition ruling (12/15)
Shinnecock Nation awaits decision on federal status (12/9)
New York governor backs Shinnecock Nation (9/25)
Interview: Shinnecock Nation and federal recognition (06/12)
Economist: Recognition nears for Shinnecock Nation (6/11)
Connecticut tribes support Shinnecock recognition (6/5)
Shinnecock Nation meets with BIA over recognition (6/4)
Shinnecock Nation in DC to press for recognition (6/3)
Editorial: Shinnecock Nation recognition on horizon (6/1)
Blog: Shinnecock Nation eyes ultimate prize (6/1)
Shinnecock Nation open to several casino sites (5/29)
Column: Shinnecock Nation nears a milestone (5/28)
Shinnecock Nation ready to negotiate with state (5/28)
BIA agrees to decision on Shinnecock Nation (5/27)
Shinnecock Nation expects recognition decision (4/6)