Luxury development in Southampton and its impact on the Shinnecock Nation were the focus of a recent screening of the documentary "Conscience Point" at Stony Brook University. The event, held on October 15 as part of the Humanities Institute’s Pressing Matters lecture series, included a discussion with filmmaker Treva Wurmfeld and members of the Shinnecock Nation.
The documentary, released in 2019 and aired on PBS, follows activist Rebecca Genia and other members of the Shinnecock Nation as they confront the destruction of ancestral burial grounds and environmental issues linked to ongoing development in Southampton. The film describes Southampton as having "the largest gap between rich and poor."
Filmmaker Treva Wurmfeld spoke about the challenges in making the film, noting that she relied on Genia’s perspective to guide the narrative. “Every decision came back to Becky, how she saw her community, how she wanted their story told,” Wurmfeld said. She added that Genia’s activism, which took place in local forums long before filming began, formed the emotional core of the story.
Other speakers at the event included Kelly Dennis, an attorney and former tribal leader; Dennis’ parents, who are active in the Nation and its efforts to protect ancestral remains; and Shane Weeks, an artist and cultural ambassador for the Shinnecock Nation. Weeks highlighted the film’s significance as a platform for Indigenous voices: “It’s one of the only films that talked about our perspective,” he said.
Sohl Lee, associate professor in the Department of Art at Stony Brook University, co-hosted the event and brought her ARH 391 class to participate in the discussion.
The conversation addressed the Shinnecock Nation’s role in advocating for and helping to pass the New York State Unmarked Burial Site Protection Act in 2022. Kelly Dennis described the ongoing challenge as “living in two worlds at all times,” reflecting on her mother’s experience balancing identity and advocacy.
Wurmfeld emphasized that "Conscience Point" is about more than land rights. “The fight to preserve ancestral sites, to protect water, to be heard, these are all connected,” she said. The film explores the intersection of Indigenous sovereignty and environmental issues.
The event concluded with Weeks mentioning his upcoming exhibition at the Queens Museum, "Of The Earth: Connections," which will explore Shinnecock traditions and their relationship with water and earth. Weeks and other speakers reiterated that preservation is not only about honoring history but is also an ongoing effort for survival.