About M.I.C.
About Metoac Indigenous Collective
Community work is multifaceted. This program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of the communities that it will serve. This will involve initiating, or supporting the growth and continuation of activities related to Traditional Lifeways, Education, Arts & Culture, Environment, History, Infrastructure, and Welfare. Through the founders' previous work, we have identified common and recurring areas of need, but we are intentionally flexible in regard to specific engagement.
Each community is unique, with diverse needs; and even amongst neighboring tribes, capacity and assets are not evenly distributed. The best way we have found to do this work is by collaborating with the Knowledge Holders and Elders that are already present and working within the Indigenous communities of Long Island and our sister tribes. It is said that “every time an Elder dies, a library is lost.” These individuals hold the keys to our ancestral memories - and though many of them would prefer to focus on cultivating this knowledge within their communities, they are often too underfunded, overburdened, burnt out, and preoccupied with survival to be able to do so consistently.
Our priority, then, is to help empower these individuals, and increase their capacity to transmit this precious wisdom. From there, it becomes easier for the Teachings and Knowledge to be shared within the community and exchanged between tribes. In this positive feedback loop of remembering, practicing, and sharing, we create pathways to healing that are found in community relationships and in the strengthening of collective memory.
About The Founders
Shane Weeks
Director of Education and Research
Shane Weeks is a proud member of the Shinnecock Nation, located in Southampton, New York. Shane’s traditional upbringing encouraged him to follow in his elders’ footsteps by making the world better for future generations. He grew up understanding the importance of his culture and connection to the natural world, representing the traditions passed down to him by song, dance and drum, as well as learning to hunt and fish at a young age. Deeply devoted to his community, Shane represents his people in a number of capacities, as an author, owner of Ohke Creations, a traditional singer and dancer, cultural consultant, artist, and member of several local boards and committees. In 2023, Shane was presented with the Presidential Call to Service Award by New Generation In Action at the U.N. General Assembly. His mission is to bridge the gap between the Shinnecock community, the local East End, and communities abroad.
Tecumseh Ceaser
Director of Education and Strategic Planning
Indigenous artist, cultural consultant, and Wampum Carver. He is of Matinecock Turkey clan, Montaukett, and Unkechaug descent.
Bianca Collins
Director of Communications & Outreach
Shinnecock Nation Tribal Citizen, former Shinnecock Nation Council Secretary, Social Justice & Indigenous Rights Advocate, Community Organizer & Volunteer, Participatory Grantmaker, Non-profit Board Member, Southampton Town Advisory Board member.