On the East End of Long Island, the lands of one of New York's oldest self-governing Indigenous tribes, which has called Long Island home for some 13,000 years, is being threatened by sea level rise. To mark Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Climate Museum presented an important conversation about the Shinnecock Nation's efforts on the frontlines of climate change. Climate Museum Director Miranda Massie moderated this discussion with two Shinnecock leaders about their work and how we can all be more involved in the fight for climate justice and Indigenous sovereignty here in New York.

Kelly Dennis, Esq., is an attorney, Secretary of the Shinnecock Council of Trustees, and a member of Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland's Tribal Advisory Committee representing the Eastern Region of the United States. She is also an artist and former Public Programs & Residency Coordinator at The Watermill Center. She integrates her legal background with her passion for the arts through social justice advocacy efforts for the rights and welfare of Indigenous peoples.

Shavonne Smith is the Director of the Shinnecock Nation Environmental Department and has served her community for 16 years. Her work includes teaming with dedicated staff to implement aquaculture, water quality monitoring, natural resource management, crop cultivation, and climate resiliency programming. Additionally, she serves on three national committees: the National Tribal Caucus, the National Tribal Toxics Council, and the E-Enterprise Leadership Council (EELC).

Due to an unexpected change in circumstances, Tela Troge, Esq. was unable to join the panel.