Interior Secretary Deb Haaland met with LI tribes at Fire Island

Leaders of three Long Island Native American tribes were on hand as Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was welcomed to the region earlier this month in an event one tribal leader called "historic."

The welcome ceremony for the nation’s first Native American Cabinet secretary featured intertribal music and dance and a gift of wampum jewelry made on the Poospatuck reservation by members of the Unkechaug Nation. She also received the book, "The Montaukett Indians of Eastern Long Island," by John Strong.

Haaland had been on Long Island earlier in the day to attend a groundbreaking event for the South Shore Wind Farm.

Sandi Brewster-Walker, a historian who helped plan the event as executive director of the Montaukett Nation, said "Secretary Haaland was visiting our National Seashore, and we had the opportunity to welcome her. This is so historic for us."

The Montauketts, who have been working with New York state to re-establish their state recognition, claim the western end of Fire Island as part of their aboriginal tribal homeland. The Unkechaug’s view the East End of the Island similarly, she said.

Unkechaug Chief Harry Wallace said that in addition to greeting Haaland, the native leaders "let her know we’re still here, it’s still our territory and we still care about protection of our lands and our home and our people. And we wanted to welcome her in our way with prayer and song, and gave her a gift that represents the people of Long Island."

Haaland was given a gift of wampum by Wallace and Lydia Chavez, who operate Wampum Magic on the Poospatuck Reservation, Wallace said.

Others in attendance included Shinnecock Indian Nation chairman Bryan Polite, Shinnecock former vice chairman Lance Gumbs and Montaukett sachem Robert Pharaoh.

Polite, in an interview, said he expressed to Haaland how important her appointment was for Native American tribes like the Shinnecock.

He said he told Haaland "how proud indigenous people are that she is in charge of a department that historically hasn't been friendly to native tribes," he said. "We now have an Interior Department that's taking our issues seriously."

Dance was performed by the Montaukett Women’s Circle Dancers and music was by the intertribal Young Blood Singers.

Melissa Schwartz, a spokeswoman for Haaland, said "The Secretary is always grateful to have the opportunity to meet with tribal leaders on Interior's work to strengthen Indian Country and honor the nation-to-nation relationship."

By Mark Harrington

mark.harrington@newsday.comMHarringtonNews

Mark Harrington, a Newsday reporter since 1999, covers energy, wineries, Indian affairs and fisheries.