Culture. Self-Preservation. Survival.
All that we need to survive is supplied by nature. Much food comes from the land but we Shinnecock were once whalers. Our knowledge of how to survive off Long Island’s land and waters dates back more than 10,000 years. As a result, we are acutely aware of the effects of Climate Change and its constant reminder to return to the old way.
Like Shinnecock, the East End is a coastal community whose economy is closely linked with climate-sensitive resources. Among the most dramatic and economically significant effects of Climate Change are heat waves, droughts, floods experienced by neighboring communities. The most critical effects for us have been the changing ocean conditions that affect the sea life on which our communities depend.
As People of the Stony Shore, we Shinnecock are sentinels and leaders in societal adaption and mitigation in response to climate change. Which is why Tuktu Paddle Tours’ mission is to educate all communities about how to survive in the face of and without contributing to the devastating effects of climate change.
In conjunction with our mission, 100 percent of the proceeds from our tours go to Tuktu PT’s parent company Blossom Sustainable Development. Blossom SD was established to empower Shinnecock families to live healthy, sustainable lives based on self-care, cultural pride, and traditional knowledge.
Blossom’s work is carried out in-part through services provided by Tuktu PT, which include canoe and horticulture lessons for Project Venture youth, a free canoe club for Shinnecock residents and a volunteer shuttle bus for the Shinnecock Senior Program, to name a few.