Shinnecock Nation and Southampton Town must coexist, settle disputes

Land disputes between Native American tribes and the United States government are thorny. A Department of the Interior website on the issue starts with this: “Native American land ownership is complex.”

So it’s no surprise the Shinnecock Indian Nation and Southampton Town, already tussling in court over several matters, have found another point of contention. It's a petty one but emblematic of the poor relationship between the two entities.

At a June Southampton Town public meeting, the Shinnecock Nation demanded the town remove its official tribal seal from the town hall’s main auditorium. Shinnecock vice chairman Lance Gumbs said during the meeting that Southampton has “great disdain … for the Shinnecock people.” Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore read a letter at the meeting stating the town “would like the seal to remain.”

Southampton and the Shinnecock Nation have been wrangling for years over several big issues — building a gas station, alleged zoning infringements, two electronic billboards, and parking for a music festival. Nation leaders have legitimate concerns about local government oversight and overreach. Town elected officials have valid questions about tribal land use that has a negative impact on the surrounding communities. 

Southampton sued the Nation in December to halt construction of a gas station/travel plaza off Sunrise Highway in Hampton Bays, and a judge's ruling granting the request is costing the Nation $22,000 a day, tribal leaders said. New York State is suing over electronic billboards displaying ads on Sunrise Highway that the Nation says are monuments. The Nation insists Southampton is not following its zoning laws by allowing development in a 30-foot buffer zone bordering its Westwoods land.

The most recent spat over the Nation’s seal seems trivial compared to the more substantial arguments. An official seal being displayed in a public meeting room shouldn’t distract from the more important grievances that have to be worked out. Southampton residents should expect local laws to be followed, and the Shinnecock people must be able to honor their storied traditions and thrive economically.

There have been times over the years when both Southampton Town and the Shinnecock Nation have made genuine, good-faith efforts to resolve problems and collaborate. There will never be the discovery of some centuries-old scroll clearly stating land ownership rights to the satisfaction of all parties. And yet, they must coexist for each to thrive.

It's time for New York State to step in and step up by appointing a mediator to facilitate a good-faith resolution of the town-tribe disputes. Differences will likely remain, but sitting at the negotiating table might be the best route for yielding positive — albeit incremental — results.

Long Island is stronger because of our Native American heritage, and Southampton is a better place for residents, tourists and businesses thanks to its Native American history. Both sides need to step back, take a breath and focus on a future of partnership and success.