On October 1, 2010 the Shinnecock Nation received an official call from the Department of the Interior, acknowledging the Nation as the 565th federally recognized tribe. This milestone, achieved after a 32-year process, allows the Shinnecock Nation to engage in a full government-to-government relationship with the United States. Federal recognition affirms the existence of the Shinnecock people, though we have always been here, long predating the U.S. government.
Shinnecock Vice Chairman Lance Gumbs remarked, "I do not call it Federal Recognition but the Re-Acknowledgment of our Shinnecock people because we have been here forever and predate Federalism. So to all the Tribal Citizens of the Shinnecock Nation on this 14th Anniversary, Happy Federal Acknowledgment Day."
In February 2024, the Town of Southampton officially designated October 1 as Shinnecock Heritage Day, a recognition of the Nation’s rich history and contributions to the town. This designation fosters mutual respect and aims to build a more collaborative relationship between the Shinnecock Nation and Southampton Town.
To celebrate the inaugural Shinnecock Heritage Day, Southampton Town and Public Schools held special events. Additionally Rogers Memorial Library is celebrating Shinnecock Heritage Day with a pop up exhibit on Shinnecock History through October 6th.
At Southampton Elementary School, Shinnecock guest speakers read Indigenous storybooks to students, while Southampton High School hosted a school-wide assembly. Shinnecock students Tyrese Reddick, Yanabah Cuffee, and Ja'Laya Reddick delivered speeches, and Kodiak Tarrant performed alongside 2024 graduate Nootimus Williams as part of the Old Sound drum group. Gianni Willis performed an original song in both English and Shinnecock, and poet Andrina Wekontash Smith read a newly written poem. The assembly provided an opportunity for Shinnecock members to share their experiences, emphasizing that "we’ve always been here, and we share this land with you as equals."
At Southampton Town Hall, the celebration began and ended with a performance by the Youngblood Singers, who are celebrating their 50th year as a drum group. Southampton Councilmember Michael Iasilli remarked, "We are finally celebrating this day and sharing with you, the Shinnecock People," further adding, "Your seat is now at the table" and "Shinnecock is part of the fabric of Southampton Village."
A shared meal of traditional Shinnecock foods, including samp, corn bread, venison, and fry bread, was followed by a panel discussion led by COT Secretary Bianca Collins. The panel, which included Shinnecock members Marguerite A. Smith, Esq., artist Gloria Smith,
Chairwoman Lisa Goree, Vice Chairman Lance Gumbs, former Chairman Bryan Polite, and former Trustee Gordell Wright, reflected on the meaning of federal recognition, the Nation’s history, their experiences as Shinnecock people living in Southampton, and hopes for the future.
Shinnecock Chairwoman Lisa Goree was noted saying, "This is the start of healing for our Nation."
The day's events emphasized the importance of working together, with both Shinnecock and Southampton officials highlighting the shared future ahead.
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