Community whole-listic Health Expo Fundraiser - Lots of fun and learning in the Hamptons on The Shinnecock Territory for a great cause!

Shinnecock Indian Nation to Host Indigenous Whole-listic Health Expo and Fund Raising Event

The Shinnecock Indian Nation welcomes the public to a day of health-focused educational activities with the goal of raising funding to build a new education, recreation and culture center

SHINNECOCK INDIAN NATION, SOUTHAMPTON, NY – June 18, 2024 - The Shinnecock Indian Nation today announced it will be hosting its first-ever Indigenous Whole-listic Health Expo fund raiser. Scheduled for July 20, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the outdoor event will be a day of fun and activities while providing resources to help and encourage individual and family growth through an indigenous lens: The Indigenous Medicine Wheel. The Indigenous model believes that in order for a person to live a complete life, there must be balance in cognitive, spiritual, physical and social areas of one’s life. Funds raised from the event will be used to help erect a Shinnecock Education, Recreation and Culture Center, where this work will continue.

The Expo will be filled with activities, fun, games and food, centered around Whole-listic health. Presentations and guided activities will take place throughout the day, including native-inspired group dances, focused discussions, art workshops, and more. Resources will also be shared addressing topics such as education and childcare, emotional and physical wellness, medical remediation, environmental wellness and financial health. There will also be giveaways and raffles for the pubilc to enjoy.

“While fundraising may be our overall goal, this event will be beneficial to the community, as well.” Said Denise Williams, Director of the Education Department for the Shinnecock Indian Nation. “Our community has been through a lot, historically and in the aftermath of the pandemic. We are still feeling the residual impacts.”

Dyashwa Sylvester, Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Shinnecock Nation, has been providing recreational activities and supplemental education with an indigenous foundation to children of the Shinnecock Nation . The Club currently operates in one building alongside the Senior Citizen Nutrition and Indian Education Programs. The Club often has to seek alternative spaces when competing events are scheduled.

“It’s frustrating, but I have to keep the focus on the benefits to our children,” said Sylvester. “We desperately need more space, to continue to meet the high level of interest our children have in participating in the programs. Each year, the numbers increase, as they take advantage of regalia-making classes, participate with other tribes in pow wow s across the country, and build stronger connections with their schools. ”

The Shinnecock Education, Recreation and Culture Center will provide defined spaces for culturally based group activities, trainings, and resources that will allow the community to continue to grow stronger in all areas of wellness. For more information on the Nation’s plans for the center and to learn more about the event, visit www.bgcshinnecock.org

Media Contact:

Denise Williams, Director of the Education Department, Shinnecock Indian Nation

516-941-7115 (Cell), 631-283-6143 Ext 140 (Office), DeniseWilliams@Shinnecock.org