New York Gov. David Paterson (D) has endorsed the federal recognition petition of the Shinnecock Nation.

In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Paterson said the tribe deserved federal status. He cited the state's ongoing relationship with the tribe, going back to the 1700s.

Though the state recognizes the tribe and its reservation on Long Island, Paterson is the first governor to back federal recognition for the tribe. "He is a man of his word and the Shinnecock people will never forget it," trustee Randy King told Newsday.

To settle a lawsuit, the Bureau of Indian Affairs agreed to make a preliminary decision on the tribe's petition by December 15. A final decision is expected in mid-2010.

In related news, the town of Southampton purchased an ancestral Shinnecock village for $4 million and is working with the tribe on a management plan.

Get the Story:
Paterson Endorses Shinnecock Tribe’s Bid for Recognition (The New York Times 9/25)
Guv gives Shinnecocks support on federal recognition (Newsday 9/25)
Southampton buys ancient Shinnecock village site (Newsday 9/25)

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

Related Stories:
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)