Jourdan Bennett-Begaye 
ICT 

SHINNECOCK LANDS — A year ago my favorite powwow food became lobster rolls. So did my sister’s. 

You probably said, “WHAT?” Yes, lobster rolls. 

I convinced my siblings to take a trek to Southampton in New York to attend the Shinnecock Powwow on Rhode Island. Yes, their territory is in the Hamptons. And yes, that was part of the appeal.

Shinnecock Nation flag (Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, ICT)

But mostly, I wanted to experience a friend’s territory. I’m a southwest kid who grew up in the desert around mountains, lakes, and rivers. Our cuisine is mutton, or sheep and lamb with green chile. 

So I cannot imagine growing up on an island and relying on the waters for food. It’s incredible to me that Indigenous nations rely on subsistence across the board, no matter where they call home. 

People in line for the Sly Fox Den, with the food stand’s offerings featured around the shade canopy (Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, ICT)
The Clam Stand (Courtesy photo Taylor Bennett-Begaye)
Plate of clams (Courtesy photo, Taylor Bennett-Begaye)
Dancers at the Shinnecock Powwow (Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, ICT)

Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, Diné, is the digital news director of ICT and based in its Washington bureau. Follow her on X: @jourdanbb or email her at jourdan@ictnews.org.