Members of the Shinnecock Nation of New York held a prayer service outside the Interior Department this morning to press for federal recognition.

The tribe hopes Bureau of Indian Affairs lives up to an agreement to resolve its recognition petition. A preliminary answer is due December 15, with a final determination to come in mid-2010.

"We don't want them to say they want another 20 years," tribal trustee Fred Bass told Newsday.

The tribe plans to open a casino once it gains federal recognition.

Get the Story:
Shinnecock in D.C. to make case for recognition (Newsday 6/3)
Federal recognition for Shinnecocks would boost casino effort (The Southampton Press 6/3)

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

Related Stories:
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)