New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has once again vetoed legislation aimed at reinstating state recognition for the Montaukett Indian Nation, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from tribal leaders and the bill's sponsor, Assemb. Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor). This marks the sixth time such legislation has been vetoed, with Hochul and former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo each having rejected it three times. Critics argue that Hochul is "on the wrong side of history" and has mishandled the matter, creating significant disappointment and distrust.

The governor's latest veto statement cited the Montaukett Nation's failure to "demonstrate that they meet the requirements necessary for recognition." However, this reason contradicted earlier concerns reportedly raised by Hochul's staff about potential land claims by the nation. Montaukett executive director Sandi Brewster-walker expressed extreme disappointment, stating, "It's hard for me to believe anything that the governor says. They have disrespected the nation and seem to be looking for reasons not to recognize us." She highlighted that the Montauketts have never pursued land claims, making the staff's concern particularly puzzling.

Assemb. Fred Thiele, who has championed this legislation for over a decade and is retiring at year's end, called this the "worst veto of them all." He emphasized that tribal leaders had spent "tens, maybe hundreds of hours" providing requested documentation and information to Hochul’s office throughout 2024, only for the governor to "pull the rug out" at the last minute. Thiele vehemently dismissed the land claims concern as "so speculative as to be ridiculous," noting that it ultimately did not appear in Hochul's official veto message. He also pointed out that the state lacks a formal process for recognizing tribes whose status was wrongly removed, and that historically, recognition in New York has been granted through legislation, as seen with the Unkechaug Nation in 1978.

The Montaukett Nation's derecognition stems from a controversial 1910 state Supreme Court decision by Judge Abel Blackmar. In a lawsuit filed by Montaukett members alleging their land was improperly taken by developer Arthur Benson, Blackmar ruled that the Montauketts were so dispersed as to be "disintegrated," effectively obliterating their formal status. This ruling ignored a 1906 memorandum from C.F. Larrabee, acting commissioner of Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior, who affirmed the Montauketts as "an existing Indian tribe" with land rights that should be protected. A 1998 Newsday investigation further revealed a history of "deceit, lies and possibly forgery" in the annexation of Montaukett and Shinnecock lands.

Hochul's administration has accused the Montaukett Nation of attempting to "circumvent" the process of regaining recognition through legislation, insisting they "must go through the normal process" with the Department of State. However, tribal leaders and Thiele maintain that the nation has diligently worked with the Department of State for years, providing all requested information, and that the "so-called process" was invented by a previous administration's veto. Despite the ongoing dispute, the Town of East Hampton last month issued a proclamation recognizing the Montaukett Indian Nation and their significant community contributions. Hochul offered a pledge to "continue to work with the Montauketts regarding this issue, and to treat this historic community with the respect it deserves," yet the path to their full state recognition remains fraught with obstacles and deep-seated frustrations.