Pummohhamwaen-in Initiative

The connection to the ocean and waterways the indigenous people have on Long Island remains one of the most significant connections within our communities. Historically, the communities of Long Island survived largely by harvesting resources found in the ocean, bays, ponds, and rivers. They were master fishermen using almost all techniques found today, had an understanding of shellfish cultivation, unparalleled in ability as whalers and most importantly, understood the balance that must be maintained for the sustainability of the community and creation.

Today our communities still maintain a heavy connection to the waters and have seen and noted the many changes that have occurred in them over the centuries. Many of which have negatively impacted the fragile balance of the ecosystem and are beginning to be felt by the community at large.

Today, much of the access our people once had to these waterways has been restricted, though we continue to exercise our right and responsibility to the resources of them. One of the larger feats for our people has been making traditional dug out canoes or Mishoon. It has been recorded that some of our Mishoon could hold nearly 100 people and were very capable on the sea.

As all things in the world are connected, our access to the resources on land have impeded our cultural access on the waters. Due to restricted access to the types of trees needed to construct a traditional Mishoon, only 3 have been made on Long Island in the past 20 years.

The most recent was commissioned to Chenae Bullock of the Shinnecock Nation and Owner of one of our Collaborators Moskhetu Consulting by the Long Island Children's Museum. Shane Weeks was also heavily involved in constructing the Mishoon, named Lil' Pine or Pewe Koowa, in May of 2025.

This was Chenae's 7th Mishoon she has helped make throughout New England and Shane's Second. Part of this agreement included transport of the right type of tree as well as the funding for a second Mishoon to be made for the community, as opposed to being on display. This is not common but a great accomplishment as many Mishoon are made but are not accessible to the Indigenous people and become museum pieces.

Each Mishoon takes several full days to complete and a lot of resources. Access to the tree, the funds to acquire wood for the fire used to dig it out, and compensation for the people who take their time out to work on it all accumulate to the cost of a Mishoon.

This initiative is an effort to strengthen our connection to the waters in a traditional way. A way that is highly respected by our people but not often seen within our communities. Keeping our people on the water in itself is an act of preservation as we strive to maintain the balance and stability of the environment that gives us life.