On This Site - Indigenous Long Island

“On This Site - Indigenous Long Island, NY” entailed studying archaeological and anthropological records, oral stories, and newspaper archives, resulting in landscape photography that honors Shinnecock’s 10,000-plus years’ presence in Long Island, New York. By looking to the past, I trace issues that plague indigenous communities back to their source. Working on this collection has left me with a better understanding of how centuries of treaties, land grabs, and colonialist efforts to assimilate indigenous communities have led to our resilience, our ways of interacting with our environment, and the constant struggle to maintain our autonomy. 

This project is needed because it creates a bridge between indigenous and non-indigenous people on Long Island, and legitimizes the Long Island indigenous population beyond their borders on reservations by recognizing their settlements through cultural archaeology and oral history. By presenting the archaeological documents in the visual medium of photography, not only are we able to appreciate and analyze this information in a new way, but it also presents the public a new understanding of community awareness and cultural enlightenment, which then leads to cultural critique, historical inquiry, and educational development.[1] Upon visiting various sites, I discover that some of them have been developed for residential purposes, some have land preservation signs on their edges, no trespassing signs and occasionally recognition through the National Register of Historic Places plaques. The one instance of landmark acknowledgement read:

Fort Corchaug

Archaeological Site, has been designated a National Historic Landmark. This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United State of America. Fort Corchaug Archaeological Deposits preserve the most complete records of Corchaug Indian life and culture at the time of contact with European colonists during the early seventeenth century. 1999 National Park Service United States Department of the interior.

While the current plaque marks the site as an important historical location, it doesn’t attempt to tell any of the history of that location. Those who accidentally happen upon it leave with little more than they already knew when they found it. For myself, I felt as though the plaque dismissed the importance of the site. It once represented a friendship among Corchaug and Europeans settlers. For my project, the plan is to go to sites like this, document their beautiful landscapes, and present them with text that explains their history and significance with a new voice, vision and intention. 

Technology, an interactive digital map, and a mobile app can help protect sacred Native American burial sites throughout Long Island, NY by providing greater awareness, accountability, and access to information. Here's how:

1. Interactive digital map: An interactive digital map can provide a comprehensive overview of the location and status of Native American burial sites throughout Long Island. This can help increase awareness and understanding of the significance of these sites and promote greater accountability for their protection. By overlaying different layers of data, such as historical records, environmental factors, and cultural significance, the map can help identify areas of high risk and inform conservation efforts.

2. Mobile app: A mobile app can provide on-the-go access to information about Native American burial sites, allowing users to report any suspicious activity or damage to the sites. The app can also provide educational resources, such as historical information and cultural significance, to promote greater awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting these sites. This can help increase community engagement and participation in conservation efforts, as well as provide a mechanism for real-time reporting and response to threats to the sites.

3. Technology: Technology can be used to provide additional layers of protection for Native American burial sites, such as remote sensing technologies, drone surveillance, and geofencing. Remote sensing technologies can detect any disturbances to the sites, while drone surveillance can provide real-time monitoring of the sites for any suspicious activity. Geofencing can be used to create virtual boundaries around the sites, triggering alerts and notifications if any unauthorized activity occurs.

This project would benefit all Long Island residents who are interested in learning more about themselves and their history. The images would be beautiful and rarely seen landscapes that invite curiosity for all audiences. Those who decide to invest more deeply into the images, whether it be art critics, school students, researchers, or an informed public, would all be intellectually challenged to interpret and critique the narrative and to form new insights.  The images present ideas and information as a critique itself, asking viewers if they’re aware of landscapes and the diversity of people who surround them.

Growing up, my self-esteem has always been damaged by the feeling of not belonging. My hope is that this project will create awareness of these sites and inform viewers using the perspective of a Native American cultural vision and voice. The images say: This is where we once were, and are still here. The project will create new meaning and connections in neighborhoods that we may pass every day, but don’t realize their significance. In my research, I’ve found that anthropologists concluded that in traditional societies, memory becomes attached to place. Many, if not all of the locations that have cultural and historical significance have been sold as private property, abandoned or developed in ways that have no reference to their original cultural meaning. In my images, I want to document these locations and reinforce the connections that the Shinnecock people have to these locations; whether it's a sacred burial ground, a camp site or a shell heap. The photographs will become an external and tangible experience for things that can only be imagined—memorials that makes the past real.

Another aspect I’m aware of is the element of contemporary tradition, whereby what has deep cultural meaning continues to be preserved through new forms of interpretation that foster new awareness and understanding. This is a project that requires much research and documentation, which I hope would spread among indigenous youth who see this project. A subtle driving force behind this project is the history of photography itself, and how indigenous people are often the subject of the exotic and vanishing race. By empowering ourselves and becoming the narrators, we can create empathy and community among one another – something I have felt has always been integral to Shinnecock culture. 

The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a Native American tribe located on the eastern end of Long Island, NY. They are recognized as a sovereign nation by the United States government and have a population of approximately 1,500 members.

Regarding the needs of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, it would be important to engage in community outreach and consultation, seeking input from community leaders, elders, and other stakeholders. This could involve conducting interviews, surveys, or focus groups to gather information on the community's needs, priorities, and concerns. It would also be important to work with trusted community partners, such as tribal government officials or cultural organizations, to ensure the process is culturally appropriate and respectful.

To accomplish a project around digital mapping and protecting cultural sites, the team could leverage the diverse skills and perspectives of our Ma's House staff. Firstly, as the lead artist and President of Ma's House, Jeremy Dennis could provide artistic direction for the project and help ensure that the sites' cultural significance is properly represented in the digital map. Given his background in exploring indigenous identity and culture, he could bring a unique perspective to the project.

Hunter Begun, as the Director of Production, could use his videography skills to document the process of creating the digital map and help to create promotional material to raise awareness about the project. Additionally, he could use his experience in podcasting to create a podcast series that could provide further insight into the project and its goals.

As the Workshop Coordinator, Denise Silva-Dennis could help engage the Shinnecock tribal members in the project by incorporating the digital mapping project into her weekly workshops. For example, she could lead workshops on traditional map-making techniques or incorporate the digital map into drawing and painting workshops based on the local landscape. This would help ensure that the project is culturally appropriate and engages the community meaningfully.

Finally, Brianna L. Hernández, as the Director of Curation, could help to ensure that the project is well-documented and that the digital map is properly curated. Given her experience in end-of-life care and grief, she could also help to ensure that the project is sensitive to the potential emotional impact of engaging with sacred burial sites.

Together, the team could collaborate to create a project that respects and protects the cultural sites of the Shinnecock Indian Nation through technology and digital mapping while also engaging the community and promoting awareness and appreciation of their culture.

The problem of unmarked burial sites in New York State is a significant issue that affects both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Over the years, many burial sites have been lost or destroyed due to development and construction, while others have been forgotten or neglected. The lack of protections for these sites has contributed to their destruction, often leaving them vulnerable to looting, desecration, and other forms of harm.

For indigenous communities, the issue of unmarked burial sites is especially problematic as it has resulted in the loss of ancestral remains and cultural artifacts. Many indigenous communities view these sites as sacred, and their destruction can have a significant impact on cultural identity and spiritual practices. Additionally, the lack of protections for these sites can exacerbate historical trauma and ongoing inequalities that indigenous communities face.

While there are some laws and regulations in place to protect burial sites, the enforcement of these laws is often inadequate, and there is a lack of resources and funding to properly identify and protect these sites. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness and education about the cultural significance of these sites, which can contribute to their destruction and neglect.

Just this past March 2023, Governor Hochul just vetoed yet another attempt at an Unmarked Grave Protection Bill. NY is just one of four states that don't have such laws, and Southampton continues to allow private developers to develop our both sacred and stolen lands.

We are all based on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation; three of us are enrolled members, and Brianna is the partner of Jeremy Dennis.