Southampton - The Suffolk County Legislature held a ceremony celebrating the Shinnecock Indian Nation's Federal recognition status on December 7 at the Riverhead Legislative Auditorium. The Shinnecock Nation is the 565th federally recognized tribe. A proclamation was presented to mark the Nation's recognition and a cake with the tribal logo made by the Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts School. The Nation presented the Suffolk County Legislature with the flag of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and Trustee Gordell Wright led the tribe in traditional song before the legislature.

Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) wishes the Nation much success in the future as they assess all the options afforded them under their new, but long deserved, status. Generations of Shinnecocks have waited for official recognition, which makes the tribe eligible for needed housing, education and health care programs. Legislator Schneiderman whose district encompasses the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton looks forward to continuing to work with representatives from the Shinnecock Nation.