Shinnecock Nation Elects 7, Including 2 Women, Under New Constitution

The Shinnecock Indian Nation this week held its first election since adopting a constitution in February, picking seven new trustees, including electing female leaders for the first time in the tribe’s history.

Starting in 1792, the nation held annual elections for a three-member board of trustees. But under the new constitution, which is the Shinnecocks’ first, the nation will be led by a seven-member council, with two-year terms. The council must include one elder man and one elder woman, a Sachem and a Sunksqua, according to the nation.

Lucille Bosley, who was elected Sunksqua, is among the first two women elected to Shinnecock leadership, along with Nichol Banks.

Eugene E. Cuffee II was elected Sachem and the other four new council members are Daniel Collins Sr., Bryan Polite, Taobi Silva and Bradden Smith Sr.