Luxury real estate development in Southampton has come into conflict with the preservation of Shinnecock Nation ancestral burial grounds, a topic explored in the documentary “Conscience Point.” The film was screened at Stony Brook University on October 15 as part of the Humanities Institute’s Pressing Matters lecture series, drawing students, faculty, and community members for a discussion with filmmaker Treva Wurmfeld and members of the Shinnecock Nation.
The 2019 PBS documentary follows Shinnecock activist Rebecca Genia and others as they battle the desecration of ancestral burial grounds and environmental harm caused by development in Southampton, described in the film as “the largest gap between rich and poor.” Wurmfeld explained her approach to filmmaking, stating, “Every decision came back to Becky, how she saw her community, how she wanted their story told.” She emphasized that Genia’s activism, which took place in local town halls and courts before the film, formed the emotional core of the story.
The panel included Kelly Dennis, attorney and former tribal leader; Dennis’ parents, who are active in both the Nation and the protection of remains; and Shane Weeks, artist and cultural ambassador for the Shinnecock Nation. Weeks highlighted the significance of the film, saying, “It’s one of the only films that talked about our perspective.”
Sohl Lee, associate professor in the Department of Art, co-hosted the event and brought her ARH 391 “Topics in Global Art” class to the lecture.
The discussion addressed the passage of the New York State Unmarked Burial Site Protection Act in 2022, a legislative achievement that resulted from years of activism by the Shinnecock Nation and is documented in the film. Dennis described the ongoing struggle as “living in two worlds at all times,” reflecting on the challenge of balancing identity and advocacy.
Wurmfeld said, “The fight to preserve ancestral sites, to protect water, to be heard, these are all connected,” pointing to the links between Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protection that shaped the film’s narrative.
Shane Weeks also mentioned his upcoming exhibition at the Queens Museum, “Of The Earth: Connections,” which will explore Shinnecock traditions related to water and earth. He concluded that preservation is not only about honoring the past but is also essential for survival.
