EDITORIAL: Recognition for the Shinnecocks. Finally

It's about time. Finally, after more than three decades, the federal government has recognized the Shinnecock Indian Nation. For that proud nation, this is a moment of indescribable joy that every Long Islander should share.

There's time later to talk about such legal-economic issues as casinos and land claims. For now, what's important is that an ancient people - a people who lived and fished and hunted on the shores of Long Island long before Europeans came to North America, a people deprived of their rights by our State Legislature - can now begin to get some small measure of justice.

Though the Town of Southampton leased 3,600 acres to the Shinnecocks in 1703 - it was to run for 1,000 years - the legislature gave control of the land back to Southampton in 1859, to clear the way for the Long Island Rail Road. That infamous act is the basis of ongoing land claims.

Now, after a 30-day comment period, the nation will be on the list of federally recognized tribes, a spot its members have sought since 1978. Among the implications: Mortgages will become available to members of the nation who can't now get them because their homes are on shared reservation land. The nation can also get help with health care and other vital needs.

The economic well-being of the tribe may in fact depend on a casino, but no one can put a price on the long-delayed official recognition of what the Shinnecocks have always known: They really are a nation of their own. hN