The Shinnecock Nation of New York celebrated after the Interior Board of Indian Appeals on Friday rejected challenges to its federal recognition.

The IBIA said two groups could not show how they are affected by the tribe's status. The decision was as "a complete surprise" to the tribe because it came so soon in the process, trustee Lance Gumbs said.

"We knew that the Department of Interior had sent over a very, very strong brief to the IBIA in our favor, basically saying that neither one of the two interested parties had any status or merit. And I guess the IBIA took heed to that and finalized their decision today, "Gumbs told The Southampton Press.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs issued a final determination in favor of the tribe in June. The tribe's recognition was due to become effective a month later until the challenges were filed.

Get the Story:
Shinnecocks get final word, become 565th recognized tribe (The Southampton Press 10/1)
Shinnecock win federal recognition (The Long Island Business News 10/4)

IBIA Decision:
In Re: Federal Acknowledgment of the Shinnecock Indian Nation (October 1, 2010)

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

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