Shinnecock Nation leaders say opposition to their proposed casino amounts to economic genocide.

The tribe has state recognition and a reservation on Long Island, where unemployment is high and housing is substandard. The situation contrasts with non-Indians who live next door in tony communities that attract the wealthy and jet-set.

Leaders have turned to gaming as a way to become more self-sufficient. Last summer, they started to clear land for a casino even though they lack federal recognition. The activity prompted a lawsuit that could determine the extent of a state-recognized tribe's rights.

Get the Story:
Conversations With The Tribe: Shinnecock Trustees State Their Case (The Hamptons Independent 1/22)

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

Related Stories:
BIA wants Shinnecocks to wait a decade for status (12/18)
N.Y. opinion affirmed Shinnecock Nation sovereignty (09/19)
Decision awaited in Shinnecock casino case (08/06)