Shinnecocks Break Ground On Cannabis Dispensary: ​​”Significant Circumstance”

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Under bright blue skies, members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation welcomed the dawn of a new Monfay vision as ground was broken on the new Little Beach Harvest cannabis dispensary — which everyone agreed would be more than just an economic generator, but it will serve as a blessing to the whole community and beyond.

The Shinnecock Indian Nation and TILT Holdings hosted the official groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, located at 56 Montauk Highway, the “first-of-its-kind fully Native-owned cannabis operation,” a release said. “Little Beach Harvest is located right along Southampton's main drag, creating a unique point of engagement between First People and the Hamptons community.”

The dispensary and cultivation facilities are set to launch this year. the Shinnecock Cannabis Regulatory Division will regulate all operations in accordance with the Shinnecock Nation's cannabis laws.

The event featured the innovative, traditional Shinnecock scribble, featuring the singers and drummers of YoungBlood, and featuring performances by Little Beach Harvest.

Chenae Bullock, member of the Shinnecock Tribe and CEO of Little Beach Harvest, addressed the assembled group, thanking her family, Shinnecock elders, tribal leaders and the Creator.

“It means a lot to our community, what we're going to do today,” he said.

Construction is expected to begin this week, he said.

“This is a big deal for our tribe,” he said. “What we do with this sacred plant will heal not only the community of Shinnecock but so much in the world. And that's not just through trade, but through education and the energy given to give this plant a voice again .”

Shinnecock people have been on the land for years, he said. “There's such a rich history to what we've done and it's changed so many things in the world, from whaling, industry to how we plant. What we're about to embark on is something new to do not just community but the whole East End and the whole world”.

Tribal President Bryan Polite also spoke, thanking the Creator. “We've had so many losses over the past two years that it's truly a blessing to be able to be here today, marking this truly momentous occasion in the history of Shinnecock Nation.”

The journey began nearly seven years ago with Conor Green Consulting, trying to make inroads into the medical cannabis industry, he said. “It's been a struggle. Two years ago, in 2019, we were very close to advancing, but then the pandemic hit, and it basically changed everything. As Shinnecocks, it brought us closer, but it also brought us many challenges. Throughout the story us, we showed resilience and that's what it signifies today – the resilience of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in the face of adversity. To get things done and move our Nation forward.”

Polite thanked all past tribal chairmen and the Shinnecock Board of Commissioners. “This is not just an economic development project for the Shinnecock Indian Nation — this is community building,” he said. Revenue and revenue will greatly expand the Nation's social safety net and ability to provide programs, direct financial support and return to the Nation's rural roots, Polite said.

“The cannabis plant has been demonized over the years. But I've never seen it that way. I looked at it for what it is, a magical medicinal plant that has so many uses,” Polite said.

Also speaking was Dana Arvidson, CEO of TILT Holdings – which teamed up with the Shinnecock Indian Nation after an introduction from economic development firm Conor Green to see the dream come true.

“From the beginning it was very clear to us that it wasn't just a financial opportunity,” he said. “It provided an opportunity to grant a first-of-its-kind partnership that could be a force for good in the Indigenous community, a community that has been largely excluded from social equity in conversations happening across the country.”

He also thanked the Office of Cannabis Management and New York State for their cooperation.

Bullock also said the project is of great importance to the Nation: “We've got a whole nation that we're building this for. And it's not just the money that's coming in. It's really making sure that we're protecting and maintaining the sovereignty that we've been able to to preserve and protect for hundreds of years — because Shinnecock is still here. Question on behalf of our Nation to GRIN, “How far are you willing to fight for our sovereignty?''

The project will provide not just jobs, but careers — with a business-to-business approach focused on working with tribal members, he said. “The wealth gap that we have in this particular area is so drastic, it's important not to forget that there are community members that we can help — to bring it all together.”

A previous signing event was held in 2019 on the Shinnecock Reservation for the planned “medical cannabis project.”

Former Shinnecock Nation vice president Lance Gumbs said at the time that the plan was for a cannabis dispensary/ Earlier in 2019 the tribe erected the first of two electronic signs on Sunrise Highway that sparked controversy. A gas station is also planned, Gumps said.

It is critical to pursue a number of economic development avenues, Gumbs said. “We don't want the tribe to be based on one thing — like some tribes, who put all their eggs in one basket, like toys. We want to diversify our economic interests.”

Little Beach Harvest's mission is to provide access to an alternative, natural way of healing in a way that fits the needs of its clients, the tribe said. drawing on the Shinnecock Nation's knowledge of herbal medicines and natural healing methods, the dispensary is expected to offer a wide range of cannabis products.

Designed by T-Arch Studios, Little Beach Harvest will have 5,000 square feet of practice space and will also offer a shuttle service along Southampton's high street. A future wellness salon is also planned.

The Shinnecock Nation's Departments of Environment, Natural Resources and Cultural Enrichment worked closely with Little Beach Harvest to ensure proper tribal protocols were followed before the lands were cleared, tribal leaders said.

Real estate consulting company J2H partners will manage construction from Rycon Construction, Inc.

“Anything we envision as Shinnecock People must always be for the next seven generations and beyond,” Bullock said. “The Little Beach Harvest dispensary will be a place where we can share with the world our culture, honor this sacred plant, raise awareness and provide resources for the Shinnecock Nation. For thousands of years, the people of the Shinnecock Nation have contributed to environmental sustainability, and now we are in times where we can develop economic sustainability through the hemp industry to continue our stewardship of the land.”