Photo: Sunksqua Linda Franklin addresses the crowd by Rebekah Phoenix Wise
SHINNECOCK TERRITORY, NY — The Shinnecock Indian Nation proudly recognizes a historic milestone as the United States Golf Association (USGA)and the Shinnecock Hills Golf Course incorporates a formal land acknowledgment into the opening events of the 2026 U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Monday, June 15, 2026.For the first time in the history of the championship, events included a land acknowledgment recognizing that the event is taking place on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded homelands of the Shinnecock people, who have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial.
For thousands of years, the Shinnecock people have stewarded the lands and waters of what is now known as eastern Long Island, maintaining a deep and enduring relationship with their ancestral homeland. The inclusion of a formal Land Acknowledgment and Traditional Welcome at the 2026 U.S. Open reflects a growing recognition of that history, the Nation's continued presence, and the importance of Indigenous stewardship of the land.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club President Brett Pickett shared:
"As we gather to celebrate excellence in sport, we recognize the enduring presence, resilience, and sovereignty of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and honor their continued contributions to the stewardship of the land, waters, and natural resources of this region. We pay our respect to Shinnecock elders past and present and extend that respect to future generations who will carry forward their traditions, knowledge, and responsibilities to the land."
A welcome address was delivered by the Nation’s Sunksqua Linda Franklin and Sachem Daniel Collins Sr., offering words of reflection, gratitude, and recognition of the enduring relationship between the Shinnecock people and their ancestral homeland.
Sunksqua Franklin welcomed participants with these words:
"As you participate in this championship, I invite you to take a moment to recognize the history and spirit of this place. We ask that you walk these grounds with respect—not only for the game and its traditions, but for the land itself and for the generations of people who have called it home."
Following the welcome, the Shinnecock Young Blood Singers sang an honor song recognizing the ancestors whose sacrifices, resilience, and stewardship ensured the survival of Shinnecock traditions, language, and cultural practices through generations.
Representatives of the Nation in attendance included current and past tribal leadership, members of the Elders Council and representation of the youth. Council of Trustees Secretary Hunter-Cuyjet decided to bring her two daughters to the event.
"As parents and community members, we often wonder what lessons our children are carrying forward." Hunter-Cuyjet said. "Through conversations with my daughters I am always reminded of the importance of things such as being a good relative, that stewardship all begins with remembering. They understand that caring for the land means understanding its history, honoring those who came before us, and ensuring that those stories are never forgotten. My children will tell the story of today to their grandchildren.”
The Nation views the acknowledgment as an important step toward fostering greater understanding of Indigenous history and strengthening relationships built on respect, education, and shared responsibility. It also reflects the growing partnership between the Shinnecock Indian Nation, the USGA and the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club as everyone works to elevate awareness of the cultural significance of Shinnecock Territory and its enduring connection to the land.
The Shinnecock Indian Nation extends its gratitude to the USGA for its partnership and commitment to honoring the history of the land upon which the championship is played. The Nation hopes that this acknowledgment serves not only as a recognition of the past but also as a reminder of our collective responsibility to care for the land, honor Indigenous stewardship, and strengthen our relationships with one another.
As thousands of visitors gather at Shinnecock Hills for the 2026 U.S. Open Championship, the Nation welcomes the opportunity to share its history, culture, and enduring presence while celebrating a future grounded in respect, stewardship, and meaningful partnership.
About the Shinnecock Indian Nation
Media Contact:
Rebekah Wise
Communications Director
rebekahwise@shinnecock.org
631-745-7391
https://www.shinnecock-nsn.gov/
