Under the guidance of the Creator, in honor of our ancestors, and for the future of our children, we are determined as the people of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, to live and govern with faith, respect, integrity, honesty, common sense, and compassion. We are the caretakers of the land and waters that nourish and heal us; we learn and teach the values and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

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It is with this knowledge that we have established guidelines for governance The Nation. Invoking the wisdom, blessings, and guidance of the Creator, we affirm our faith and assert our sovereignty based on our history and cultural heritage from time immemorial.

 

We, the people of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the following purposes:

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• To promote our unity;

• To ensure and promote the well-being of our Nation;

• To protect our sovereignty;

• To defend our freedom of self-determination;

• To preserve our Shinnecock culture, values, traditions, and human rights;

• To conserve and utilize our tribal lands and resources appropriately; and

• To advance the common good of the Shinnecock Indian Nation.