A federal judge urged the Interior Department to expedite a challenge to the federal recognition of Shinnecock Nation of New York.

Judge Joseph Bianco said he doesn't have jurisdiction to address the last-minute objections to the tribe's status. But he told attorneys for DOI to submit a letter within 10 days to detail a time line for resolving the dispute.

"What the nation wants is to have this resolved," tribal trustee Lance Gumbs said outside the courthouse, the Associated Press reported. "The process has a deep flaw in it when someone can come in at the last minute and make a frivolous challenge."

The tribe's recognition was due to become final on Monday. But a group called "Connecticut Coalition for Gaming Jobs" filed a challenge with the Interior Board of Indian Appeals that will delay the tribe's status.

Another group, a splinter faction of the Montaukett Tribe of New York, also filed a challenge, according to Newsday.

Get the Story:
Indian Tribe Members Come to Court, Seeking "Justice" (NBC New York 7/21)
Shinnecocks' Recognition Hits Bump In The Road (CBS 7/21)
Shinnecock Recognition Challenges Heard in Court (The Long Island Press 7/21)
NY tribe faces late recognition challenge (AP 7/21)
Shinnecock Faces Late Recognition Challenge (AP 7/21)
Connecticut Group Challenges Shinnecock Tribe's Recognition (MyFoxNy.Com 7/21)
Judge asks for Shinnecock decision (Long Island Business News 7/22)
Judge pushes feds to set timetable on Shinnecock recognition (Newsday 7/22)
New pitch for a Calverton casino (The Riverhead News-Review 7/22)

Federal Register Notice:
Final Determination for Federal Acknowledgment of the Shinnecock Indian Nation (June 18, 2010)

Related Stories:
Shinnecock Nation endures another delay over federal recognition (7/20)
Both tribes in Connecticut deny connection to new 'gaming' group (7/19)
Shinnecock Nation questions backing behind new 'gaming' group (7/16)
New 'gaming' group in Connecticut challenges Shinnecock Nation (7/15)
Editorial: Shinnecock Nation shouldn't go into gaming industry (7/6)
Shinnecock Nation sees opposition to casino from local groups (6/25)
Shinnecock Nation said to consider sites for potential casino (6/21)
New York governor cites 'hurdles' facing Shinnecock gaming (6/18)
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Shinnecock Nation expects phone call on federal recognition (6/15)
Shinnecock Nation nears final decision on recognition bid (3/30)
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Column: Shinnecock Nation nears a milestone (5/28)
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