After an ill-fated tenure as mayor of Tangier, Col. William Smith came to America in 1686 and amassed more than 81,000 acres of property, much of it from the Unkechaug Indians, in what would later become the Town of Brookhaven. He carved out 175 acres off Forge River in Mastic for what he called the “Beach Indians,” and the land, known as the Poospatuck Reservation, belongs to them still today.
The Unkechaug’s ancestry on Long Island dates back at least 10,000 years following the last Ice Age, which left evidence of its retreat in the bays, lakes, and streams the indigenous people would come to inhabit. It was this glacial event that froze a vast part of the globe, enabling the native Americans to cross over a frozen bridge from Asia into a vast new world.
Settling on a virgin Long Island, the Unkechaugs were renowned for their agricultural practices and use of wampum, carved jewelry from mollusk shells, which was used for trade and communication.
A pillar of the Unkechaug Nation is its government and politics. They operate on a democratic model, with a council comprised of chiefs and elders who make decisions that affect the tribe, according to NativeTribe.info. “Their governance model is also intertwined with their traditional way of life, where respect, cooperation, and harmony with nature are fundamental principles.”
Like many native American tribes, their language has been on the verge of extinction. Recent programs, however, such as an immersion school, have helped to revive the native tongue and promote a sense of belonging. “The tribe is profoundly rooted in their culture that includes art, storytelling, music, and dance. Their culture reflects a deep connection with nature and spiritual beliefs,” the Native Tribe site notes.
Their current chief, Harry Wallace, has been instrumental in reaffirming traditional culture for the Unkechaugs with an emphasis on education in reviving their heritage. Scholastic pursuits have also aided members in pursuing careers and making positive contributions to the community.
Chief Wallace has also helped establish Algonquian Revitalization classes in conjunction with Tina Tarrant of the Shinnecock Nation, another ancient Long Island tribe, Stephanie Fielding of the Mohegans, and Stony Brook University.
"We walk three paths—that of modern society, with its progressive education; that of the Christian spiritual world; and that of the Native American World with its ancient spirituality,” said Chief Lone Otter (Donald Treadwell) in John A. Strong’s book, The Unkechaug Indians of Eastern Long Island. “One goal remains the same: to maintain our identity as Native Americans."
Thanks to its status as a sovereign nation, businesses on the now 55-acre Poospatuck Reservation can offer products to the community tax-free, and they’re doing a vibrant trade in gasoline, marine fuel, cigarettes, and cannabis. Among the community’s successes is Montauk Native Gas, the reservation’s first gas station, which is operated by Dashawn Morton and his dad. Dashawn was a standout William Floyd High School football player and is involved in various civic activities.
Through the centuries, the Unkechaugs have faced many challenges, especially after their interactions with the European settlers. The outside colonization led to diseases, conflicts, and loss of ancestral land. Their ancient spirit perseveres nevertheless with resilience, persistence, and unity, and they live on as an essential part of the Long Island community.