Mapping Meaning, the Journal (Issue No. 1)

On This Site
Jeremy Dennis
The work seeks to make the invisible, visible.
To provide a way to reconnect memory
and place, creating a new opportunity for
self and communal reflection upon our
assumptions and stereotypes regarding
indigenous and colonial shared history on
Long Island. I hope the project promotes
communal awareness and cultural
enlightenment and will lead to cultural
critique, historical inquiry, and educational
development.
Tribe Communities Today
Out of the thirteen original tribes on Long
Island that occupied distinct territories, only
two nations now hold reservation land; the
Unkechaug and the Shinnecock. According
to the 2010 census, 22% of Native Americans
live on reservation land nationwide.
Besides Unkechaug and Shinnecock,
descendants of other tribe groups also live
in scattered communities throughout Long
Island. They work locally and around the
world. For example, in Little Neck, there is a
community of Matinecock; throughout Long
Island are Montaukett descendants. And in
the Setauket area, there is a community of
Setalcott tribal descendants.
Descendants of these tribal groups on
Long Island maintain a link to the past
through family lineage and the practice of
their traditional culture with unique social
gatherings and historical preservation. In
addition to sharing place-based indigenous
culture and history, the protection of the
sites in this project is an important priority
from a spiritual, environmental, and
archaeological perspective.
24 Mapping Meaning, the Journal