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 set
to 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.
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