The Shinnecock Nation of New York sold a key parcel of land nearly 350 years ago, a Connecticut historian testified in federal court on Monday.

James Patrick Lynch, a former air conditioner salesman, said the land was sold as part of restitution for arson crimes allegedly committed by tribal members in 1659. He said the tribe can't now reclaim sovereignty over a 79-acre parcel and use it for a casino.

The tribe plans to bring in its own historian, who will testify that the land transaction was illegal. But a federal judge, in a different case, has applied the Sherrill Supreme Court case and dismissed another Shinnecock land claim.

Get the Story:
Historian: Land for casino not Shinnecocks' (Newsday 12/5)

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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