The Shinnecock Indian Nation is ramping up economic development efforts in what’s been a tough year for it financially, according to the Southampton Press and Newsday.
The tribe took a major step this week, signing a casino development contract with the Seminole Tribe–owned Hard Rock Hotel & Casino chain. Tribal Chairman Bryan Polite said that the partnership will look at development sites across Long Island, including in Nassau County, and said that the 800-acre Shinnecock Neck reservation is under consideration for development.
The pandemic forced Shinnecock leaders to cancel their annual powwow, a major source of revenue for the tribe. Tribal leaders this year are also investigating more than a half dozen other economic pursuits, including a possible medical marijuana and wellness center on Montauk Highway. [Southampton Press] [Newsday] — Dennis Lynch