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Lisa Gorey, first woman elected chair of Shinnecock Nation, discusses tribal history and town ties
Summary
In a special interview, newly elected Shinnecock tribal chairwoman Lisa Gorey says her municipal experience as Southampton Town assessor helped prepare her for tribal leadership and recounts the tribe's history, matriarchal traditions, and family milestones including her daughter's promotion within the town police department.
Lisa Gorey, newly elected chairwoman of the Shinnecock Nation, told East End News correspondent Dara Berger that her election marked the first time in recent centuries a woman has been selected as tribal chair. Gorey said she originally ran for a council seat and was surprised to receive the highest number of votes and the chairmanship.
Gorey described a long history for the Shinnecock people in the area, tracing presence on the East End to thousands of years and noting traditional roles in farming, fishing and whaling. She said the tribe historically had matriarchal leadership prior to 1792 and that practices and cultural institutions such as the "sun squad" persist today on the bridal council.
Gorey also said she has worked for Southampton Town for 25 years and has been town assessor since 2012; she described her municipal experience and department-head responsibilities as helpful in her new tribal role and said the tribe maintains a "great working relationship" with the town board.
Gorey highlighted a family milestone: her daughter, identified in the interview as Casey (spelled in the transcript variously), is the first Native American woman on the Southampton Town Police Department and was promoted to detective last fall.
The interview aired as part one of a special edition; the broadcast directed viewers to a full segment on LTV's YouTube channel and to return for more of the conversation.
What happens next: the station said Part 2 of the interview will air next week and the full half-hour will be available on YouTube and LTV channel 20.
