Native American tribe lays claim to the Hamptons

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/06/19/whamp19.xml&sSheet=/portal/2005/06/19/ixportal.html

"The Hamptons is a playground for the rich and famous,'' says Charlie Smith, his eyes blazing with anger. "But it is a playground that was taken - no, stolen - from our people."

Mr Smith is sitting in a trailer that serves as the offices for the Shinnecock Nation, the native American tribe fewer than 1,500 strong which he leads and which clings to the southern shore of Long Island. A few hundred yards away are some of the most exclusive beach houses in the world - worth between $6 million and $60 million - hidden behind a fortress of hedges. A-list residents include Steven Spielberg, Renee Zellweger and Sir Paul McCartney.

He says that no one has paid the tribe much attention until now - when the rich and famous are focused as never before.

Not only is the tribe trying to recover 3,600 acres of ancestral lands - the largest ever native American land claim - but it is backed by millionaire casino developers.