Poospatuck Reservation: Home of the Unkechaug Nation
Located in the community of Mastic within Suffolk County, New York, the Poospatuck Reservation serves as the ancestral and current home of the Unkechaug Nation. As the smallest reservation in New York State, this enclave represents a resilient piece of Indigenous history and culture situated approximately 70 miles east of New York City.
The reservation is one of only two Native American reservations in Suffolk County, the other being the Shinnecock Reservation. While the Poospatuck Reservation is recognized by the state of New York, it maintains a unique legal status regarding federal recognition.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Tribe: Unkechaug Nation (state-recognized).
- Location: Mastic, Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York.
- Size: Approximately 55 acres.
- Population: 436 residents (as of the 2020 census).
- Legal Status: State-recognized; granted sovereign immunity under federal common law.
History and Heritage of the Unkechaug Nation
The Unkechaugi are descendants of the Quiripi-speaking Native Americans. During the colonial era, these people occupied significant portions of central Long Island and southern New England. Historically, they spoke an Algonquian language, a family of languages native to the eastern coast of North America.
Over time, the community has evolved, with many Unkechaugi intermarrying with African Americans, while continuing to maintain their distinct community identity. The current 55-acre reservation has its roots in a 1691 land transaction where William "Tangier" Smith purchased large tracts of land from Unkechaug John Mayhew, subsequently setting aside a 175-acre plot for the Unkechaugs.
Geography and Local Identity
The reservation is situated on the north side of Poospatuck Creek, east of Poospatuck Lane, and south of Eleanor Avenue. It is the only Indian reservation within the Town of Brookhaven. Locally, the area is sometimes referred to as "Mastic Boges" by residents of neighboring towns, a synecdoche—a figure of speech where a part represents the whole—referring to the numerous tobacco shops found there.
Legal Status and Sovereign Immunity
While the Unkechaug Nation is recognized by the state of New York, it has not received formal federal recognition from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. However, the Nation has successfully asserted its status through the legal system.
The Unkechaug Nation established that it met the criteria of a tribe as defined in the Supreme Court case Montoya v. United States (1901). To meet this common law definition, the Nation proved the following three points:
- They are a body of Indians of the same or similar race.
- They are united in a community under one leadership or government.
- They inhabit a particular, though sometimes ill-defined, territory.
In 2009, federal District Judge Kiyo Matsumoto ruled that the Unkechaug Nation satisfied all three Montoya criteria. This ruling entitled the Nation to Sovereign Immunity—a legal doctrine that protects a government or entity from being sued without its consent—because they are considered a federal Tribe under federal common law.
Reservation Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°47′23″N 72°49′58″W |
| Total Land Area | 0.1130 sq mi (0.2927 km) |
| Total Water Area | 0.0562 sq mi (0.1456 km) |
| Elevation | 17 ft (5.2 m) |
| Population Density | 3,858/sq mi |
| ZIP Code | 11950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Poospatuck Reservation federally recognized?
No, it has not received formal federal recognition from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, although it is recognized by the state of New York and has been recognized as a tribe under federal common law for the purpose of sovereign immunity.
What language did the Unkechaugi historically speak?
The Unkechaugi historically spoke an Algonquian language and are descendants of the Quiripi-speaking Native Americans.
How large is the Poospatuck Reservation?
The current reservation consists of approximately 55 acres, making it the smallest reservation in New York State.
What is the significance of the Montoya v. United States case to the Unkechaug Nation?
The Nation used the criteria from this 1901 Supreme Court case to prove they are a tribe under federal common law, which led a federal judge in 2009 to grant them sovereign immunity from lawsuits.
Where exactly is the reservation located?
It is located in Mastic, New York, within the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, situated on the north side of Poospatuck Creek.