Jeremy Dennis

Chokanipok (Man of Flint) is a mythological figure from the Algonquian people. He fought many battles with his brother Manabozho. Manabozho’s arrows tore off pieces of Chokanipok’s body, which fell to Earth as pieces of flint. When Manabozho finally conquered Chokanipok, pieces of the giant’s body were scattered everywhere. This story explains why flint is so common in some parts of the country. The landscape is the Shinnecock Indian Nation.

The Point, Shinnecock Indian Reservation is part of the On This Site series, an art-based researched project Jeremy Dennis. Dennis’ goal is to preserve and create awareness of sacred, culturally significant, and historical Native American landscapes on Long Island, New York. Through curiosity about his own origin and ancestral history, Dennis gathers and combines archaeological, anthropological, historical, and oral stories to answer essential cultural defining questions: Where did my ancestors live? Why did they choose these places? What happened to them over time? Do these places still exist?

Known as The Point to Shinnecock Reservation residents, this marshland has been used as a communal resource for fishing and hunting for many generations. Many of the Shinnecock youth continue to learn hunting skills by their parents. Snow Geese, Shade Bushes, and Huckleberries are among the varied natural resources utilized and respected in this area.

Jeremy Dennis (b. 1990) is a contemporary fine art photographer and a tribal member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY. In his work, he explores indigenous identity, culture, and assimilation. Dennis is also the president and founder of Ma's House, a studio collective on Shinnecock Nation land in Southampton, Long Island, that invites and supports resident BIPOC artists to create and exhibit in a collective setting.

Website: https://www.jeremynative.com
Instagram: @jeremynative