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The Niamuck
Land Trust
The Niamuck Land Trust, Inc. (NLT), was founded in November 2021 by members of the Shinnecock Nation Graves Protection Warrior Society (GPWS). Comprising permanently and solely of enrolled members of the Shinnecock Nation, the board members of NLT are committed to working to protect, preserve and purchase burial sites, and other culturally significant sites sacred to the Shinnecock Nation and their (our) neighboring Indigenous communities. With a strong base on cultural education of and for the Shinnecock community, NLT was founded as an entity with the ability to raise funds and other resources to facilitate land acquisitions and continued stewardship of these sites as they are acquired for preservation, ceremonial, and educational purposes. The NLT is a 501(c)3 organization.
Protect Sacred Sites
Video Synopsis: Members of the Niamuck Land Trust shared their wisdom, vision and hope with sisters and friends at St. Joseph Villa during the summer of 2022.
About the video thumbnail: This is "Sugar Loaf", a painting of the sacred burial site on Sugar Loaf Hill, which was recently purchased to be preserved and returned to the Shinnecock. It was painted by Denise Silva-Dennis. She says of the image, “The pine trees feel as though they guard where our ancient ancestors were buried. The scattered junipers seem like figures standing strong.”
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OUR PARTNERS
The Shinnecock Graves Protection Warrior Society (GPWS), founded in 2016, is dedicated to preserving and protecting sacred burial sites on Long Island. The GWPS works closely with state and town officials to safeguard these sites. Their goal is to ensure that uncovered remains are respectfully reburied, ideally in their original locations. The Society also plays a crucial role in repatriating remains and funerary objects from museums, ensuring that these sacred items return to their rightful resting places.
The Peconic Land Trust (PLT) has established a special fund for the acquisition, restoration and ongoing stewardship of Shinnecock sacred land in the Town of Southampton..
OUR BOARD
Rebecca Genia
An enrolled Shinnecock Tribe member, Rebecca is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong Native American justice advocate through activism, music, and deep spiritual connection to the Universe.
Tela Troge
A mother and member of the Shinnecock Nation, Tela is an accomplished attorney and executive director of the NLT and Shinnecock Kelp Farmers. She advocates for Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and the preservation of Shinnecock land and culture.
Jennifer E. Cuffee-Wilson
Jennifer, Shinnecock/Montauk, is the NLT Treasurer and a Recovery Coach with 30 years clean and serene. She is also active in Graves Protection Warriors Society, Warriors of the Sunrise, and Blossom Substantial Development.
Denise Silva-Dennis
Denise, WeeTahMoe, is a retired teacher from the Shinnecock Nation and an artist whose work captures her people's history and culture. She serves on multiple boards, including the NLT and PLT, and coordinates workshops at Ma’s House BIPOC Art Center.
Rev. Holly Haile Thompson, DD
Holly is an enrolled Shinnecock. Honorably Retired PCUSA. Teaching Elder and founding Pastor of the Padoquohan Medicine Lodge, Inc. She is committed to justice for and the protection of our Sacred Shinnecock Hills.
Credits
Niamuck Land Trust presentation posted by the CSJ Office of Spirituality