Politics & Government

Shinnecocks Present Flag to County Legislature

Tribal Trustees and Suffolk Legislators Vow Cooperation.

The Shinnecock Tribal Trustees presented the Suffolk County Legislature with the Shinnecock flag Tuesday during a public ceremony at the legislative auditorium in Riverhead, where the flag will be displayed for years to come alongside the county flag.

The presentation was held to celebrate the Shinnecocks' new status as a federally recognized tribe, which came Oct. 1 following a 32-year journey fraught with challenges.

"When our ancestors arrived here, the Shinnecocks were here, and they welcomed their new neighbors," said Legislator Wayne R. Horsley (D-West Babylon), the chairman of the county's Gaming Task Force. "For so many years, they were the entrepreneurs, the first business people of our country. We are so very proud to honor becoming the 565th nation recognized by the federal government."

Tribal Trustee Randy King said the long struggle predates him and there are many people to thank, not only fellow tribe members, but also local, state and federal officials who helped make it happen.

The trustees shared a cake with the legislators that was decorated with the Shinnecock Nation seal, and Trustees Gordell Wright and Lance Gumbs performed a traditional "song of honor."

"I am looking forward to working together to make sure both of our people are prosperous and have the ability to maintain who we are and take care of our people," Wright said.

Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) said it feels almost odd for the legislature to welcome the Shinnecocks, "when your ancestors were the ones who welcomed us."

"I wish you guys the best prosperity, and the economic development that comes with this recognition," Schneiderman said. "You've always known you're a nation. It took 32 years to prove it unfortunately. But you guys are no strangers to fighting for justice — it took a long time, you stood tall, and you got there. So congratulations."


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