Struggles

Struggles Today

Federally recognized only in 2010, the Shinnecock experienced a history of dispossession & marginalization, and continue to battle for fishing rights and land use.

Along with Native Americans across the country, they continue to face racism, stereotypes, invisibility, systemic oppression, and the erasure of their heritage.

Today, the tribe numbers about 1,500; 650 reside on a 3.4-sq mile reservation in Southampton, a remnant of their ancient homeland.

61% of reservation families live below the poverty line with a median income of $14,000, a stunning contrast to neighboring Hamptons zipcodes with the most expensive homes sold in the US.

The Myth of Native Extinction

The Shinnecock people, along with other Native peoples, are alive and vibrant today.

Research shows one-sided history is taught in schools which generally show natives in a historical, rather than modern, context.

Aside from token discussions around Thanksgiving, most students across the US do not get comprehensive, fairly represented, and accurate education in Native history and culture.

Most K-12 textbooks have been found to cover Native American history poorly. 87% of content taught about Native Americans include only a pre-1900 context, feeding into the belief that Natives have disappeared. 48 states do not mandate tribal curriculum, including New York.

Because the teaching of US history is one-sided, few today are aware of the role Natives played in whaling history, a crucial and dramatic chapter of the nation’s development in the 19th century.

I’m here to say yes, we do exist today. We drive cars, tweet about Game of Thrones, listen to Beyoncé. Though some of us may choose to stay in touch with our traditions, Native Americans aren’t “mystical” or “savage” people from the past. We go to college, write books, become doctors, run businesses. From Braudie Blais-Billie, Seminole member

The Perpetual and Damaging Myth of the “Last” of the Shinnecock

Long Island Rail Road, Front row-L-R: Frances Bunn, Anna Bunn Kellis, Mary Brewer, “Grandma O” or unidentified, Harriet Walker Hudson. Back row L-R: Possibly Luther Bunn, Joshua Kellis, James Bunn, Unidentified, Possibly Wickham Cuffee, Unidentified.

Racist and ignorant attitudes fed the belief that the Shinnecock who intermarried with African-Americans were no longer Indians “of true Indian blood” because they did not conform to the expected stereotyped image of an Indian.

Note these two inaccurate titles proclaiming “The Last of the Shinnecock Indians.”

In the early 20th century, local newspapers announced the death of Wickham Cuffee as the passing of the "last pureblood” to imply the "real Indians" had died out.

Courtesy East Hampton Public Library

The caption originally attached this photo (above) is indicative of racist attitudes towards those who intermarried:

“In spite of the mixed status of the Shinnecocks, there were still some excellent Indian types among them can be attested by this photo of Mrs. Adeline E. Waters, a handsome full-blood type.”

Fighting for Economic Opportunity

In 2019, the Shinnecock Nation built two 61-foot monuments on Shinnecock land. These monuments also function as a digital billboard to generate revenue for the Nation. In response, town and state officials have tried to block efforts.

“It is the Shinnecock Nation’s right to conduct economic development on Nation lands.” Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees

“We work hard every day to protect our community character. Although we respect the Shinnecock Nation's desire to improve living standards for its members, we believe these structures directly hurt our region by urbanizing the landscape.’ Southampton Town Supervisor & Board Trustees

We live in the richest community in the Hamptons, surrounded by opulence and wealth. We will no longer be house cleaners and servants for the rich and famous in this community. We are taking control of our destiny. We are no longer going to be second class citizens on our own land. Those days are over. This is a great day for the Shinnecock Indian Nation. For our people. Lance Gumbs, Shinnecock Tribal Trustee

Fighting for Trade and Fishing Rights

In a 1648 contract with English settlers, the Shinnecock reserved their rights to fish in local waters in perpetuity. US Code 1948 requires New York State to honor all previous treaties with Indian tribes with regards to hunting and fishing rights. Despite this, in an effort to protect depleted populations, tribal members have been ticketed for fishing.

David Silva, who was charged with illegally harvesting undersize eels , says: We’ve been fishing here forever, so it’s hard for me to understand that it has suddenly become illegal for Shinnecock people.

The department of environmental conservation says: Native Americans are not exempt from fishing regulations. The state’s laws are in place to protect the depleted species, American eel, and sustain its future in New York water.

Kenny Mades, a non-Shinnecock bayman who does not believe anyone should be exempt from the regulations of harvesting baby eels that bind others. He says: I have 62 fishing licenses and permits between Southampton town and the State of New York. They might have special rights on the reservation, but after all these years, I don’t see why they should have any more rights than me.

Courtesy Gordon Grant

Fighting for Grave Protection

New York State is one of four states that lack the Graves Protection Act, which enacts safeguards if human remains are found on private land during construction.

The Shinnecock Nation has long rallied to stop building in areas where they believe their ancestors are buried. In September 2020, the Southampton Town board voted to protect sacred burial grounds from development and desecration.