Shinnecock Indian Nation
 |
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (1,292 enrolled members) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (Long Island) | |
| Languages | |
| English, formerly: Mohegan-Pequot | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, Traditional beliefs | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Montaukett, Pequot, Narragansett, and other Eastern Algonquians |
The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a federally recognized tribe of historically Algonquian-speaking Native Americans based at the eastern end of Long Island, New York. This tribe is headquartered in Suffolk County, on the southeastern shore. Since the mid-19th century, the tribe's landbase is the Shinnecock Reservation within the geographic boundaries of the Town of Southampton. They are descended from the historic Pequot and Narragansett peoples of southern New England, whose bands also occupied eastern Long Island.
The Shinnecock were recognized by the United States government in October 2010 after a more than 30 year effort, which included suing the Department of Interior. The Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, George T. Skibine issued the final determination of the tribe's recognized status on June 13, 2010. The first Secretary of the Interior to visit the Shinnecock Indian Reservation was Sally Jewell, who visited in 2015. She was joined by Kevin K. Washburn, the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. One of the purposes of the visit was to highlight renewable energy initiatives.
The Shinnecock Indian Reservation is a self-governing reservation. By 1859, the current borders of 800 acres (3.2 km2) were established.
In 1972 the Shinnecock Native American Cultural Coalition (SNACC) was formed to establish a Native American arts and crafts program. Traditional dancing, beadwork, Native American crafts and music are studied. A group called The Youngblood Singers was formed. Dedicated to learning traditional Algonquian songs, chants, and drum rituals, they travel throughout the Northeast performing at powwows and drum contests. The Cultural Enrichment Program is a sharing and learning process that the community has engaged in to ensure that the ideals and traditions of their ancestors are passed down through the generations. It involves sharing knowledge of food, clothing, arts, crafts, dance, ceremonies, and language.
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