We talk with Rebecca Genia, a long-time activist and co-chair of the Shinnecock Graves Protection Warrior Society. Ms. Genia’s work over many years, attempting to stop the desecration of native graves in the Shinnecock Hills was documented in the recent film “Conscience Point” shown at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
A recent un-earthing of a burial site in the Hills and the start of construction of new housing in the same area resulted in a mass protest by the Shinnecocks and allies this year.
New York State is one of the few states that has no law governing what should happen when graves are unearthed.
Ms. Genia and fellow activists attempted for years to persuade Southampton Town to adopt such a law. Finally this year, talks between Shinnecock activists and attorneys for the tribe and Southampton Town officials resulted in proposed legislation that specifies what should happen when human remains are discovered during construction for housing.
Before the Town of Southampton closed its offices to the public at the end of March, the Southampton Town Board was setto approve that legislation and also the Board was to consider placing a temporary moratorium on building in parts of the Shinnecock Hills. Both of these have been put on hold.
Activity at the building site on Montauk highway that prompted the recent protests, in apparent violation of the State’s ban on construction, has sparked the ire of Shinnecock activists.
We sat down (via computer connection) with Rebecca Genia this week. And we continue last month's disucussion on a moratorium on development with realtor Michael Daly and Architect Bill Chaleff.
