On October 1st 2024, the Town of Southampton held a historic event in conjunction with the Shinnecock Nation, “Shinnecock Heritage Day.” The event had over an estimated 70 people in attendance and was meant to officially acknowledge the Shinnecock Nation’s Federal Recognition, obtained on October 1st 2010.
Local leaders from the region were present such as Mayor Bob Truhold of Quogue Village and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Legislator Ann Welker’s staff was in attendance. Leaders of both the Shinnecock Nation and the Town and County exchanged pleasantries and supportive comments. The event started off with the drum circle and introductory comments from Supervisor Maria Moore, Councilmember Michael Iasilli, Shinnecock Chairwoman Lisa Goree, and County Executive Ed Romaine.
Attendees then proceeded to dinner of traditional food prepared by Native Soul and sat for a panel discussion between Marguerite Smith, Esq., Gloria Smith, Chairwoman Lisa Goree, Vice Chairman Lance Gumbs, former Chairperson Bryan Polite, and former Trustee and wampum artist Gordell Wright. Tribal Trustee Bianca Collins opened the discussion and moderated the discussion that explored the complex history of the Shinnecock Nation, wrestling with identity, and battling misconceptions as a majority minority community. The discussion also examined how sovereignty is defined by the federal government and its implications, broadly for the self-determination of the Nation.
During comments, Supervisor Moore stated “To have a greater understanding of our friends and neighbors is to understand history. There is a history that spans our own lifetime, and that of our parents and grandparents, and that extending back to time immemorial… The full richness of the Shinnecock Nation’s history should be embraced, and gathering like that of today provide the opportunity for many to gain a greater appreciation of those traditions.”
Councilmember Michael Iasilli said “This is a historic day, and it’s been a long time coming. After 32 painstaking years, the tribe fought to have its history recognized and enshrined. On October 1st, 2010, the federal government under then-president Barack Obama, officially recognized the Shinnecock Nation as the 565th tribe of the United States. And here we are, 14 years later, we as a town are finally honoring this day and celebrating it with you, the Shinnecock people.”
County Executive Ed Romaine also made comments on the need to respect the Shinnecock Nation’s past, present, and future, noting “The Shinnecock Nation continues to play an integral role on Long Island. Today’s recognition from the Town of Southampton represents leadership on moving towards a better future.”
The event will soon be available for viewing on SunTV and SeaTV.
