Montaukett Indian Nation renews push for state recognition after decades-long fight
The Long Island tribe has not been recognized by the state since 1910.
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The Montaukett Indian Nation is once again pushing New York state to restore its official recognition, continuing a fight that has lasted for more than a decade.
The Long Island tribe has not been recognized by the state since 1910.
A bill that would have restored the Montaukett Indian Nation’s state recognition was vetoed in December. The legislation also addressed the tribe’s leadership structure and established qualifications for voters and office.
“They put us in a position where we had to prove our rights all over again to the land,” one tribal member said. “And now there’s no way we can get it, but there are other things they can give us.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul tells News 12 she will not comment on the legislation until it is either signed or vetoed.
Hochul has previously vetoed similar legislation four times.
