After three and a half centuries and a long battle in U.S. federal court, the Shinnecock Native American Nation has won recognition as an independent nation. The Shinnecock had been state recognized for 200 years, but has struggled with the federal government for recognition since 1978.
The Shinnecock Nation is located on Long Island, New York. Much of its land was illegally seized by European settlers in the 17th century. Over half of all Shinnecock on the reservation live below the federal poverty line, and over 60 percent of families live in poverty.
Lance Gumbs, a member of the Shinnecock Nation, explained: “This land has dwindled over the past 365 years … Remarkably, we are still fighting every day to protect our land, despite the fact that the Shinnecock Indian Nation pre-dates the birth of America.”
Recognition is a victory in the continued fight for reparations, sovereignty and justice for all Native nations.
