Avery Dennis Sr. facts for kids
Avery Dennis Sr., also known as "Chief Eagle Eye" (born April 4, 1929 – died September 5, 2015), was an important leader and activist for the Shinnecock Indian Nation. He was a member of the Shinnecock tribe, which is located on Long Island, New York.
Avery Dennis Sr. served as a Trustee for the Shinnecock Nation for 19 years. This was not all at once, but over different periods between 1952 and 1985. The Trustee is the highest leadership position in the Shinnecock government. Because he served for so long, he became one of the Shinnecock's longest-serving elected leaders ever.
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A Champion for His People
Avery Dennis Sr. strongly believed in the Shinnecock Nation's right to govern themselves. This is called "sovereignty." He helped lead many legal battles to protect the Shinnecock Reservation's land. The reservation is located in Southampton, New York.
Winning Federal Recognition
One of his biggest achievements was helping the Shinnecock Indian Nation gain official recognition from the U.S. government. This "federal recognition" means the U.S. government officially recognizes the Shinnecock as a sovereign tribal nation. This was a very long process that took many decades, but the Shinnecock Nation finally achieved it in 2010.
Early Life and Service
Avery Dennis Sr. was born on April 4, 1929, and lived his whole life on the Shinnecock Reservation. His parents were William Pinn and Pauline Dennis. He went to elementary school at the Shinnecock One-Room School House.
Military Service
During World War II, Avery Dennis joined the United States Army Air Corps. He served his country and reached the rank of sergeant. After the war, he received an honorable discharge and returned home to the Shinnecock Reservation.
Work and Family Life
After his military service, Dennis worked for the United States Postal Service for 26 years until he retired. In 1949, he married his wife, Dorothy. Together, they had five children. Interestingly, Avery Dennis Sr. didn't finish high school and get his diploma until he was in his 50s!
Legacy
Avery Dennis Sr. passed away on September 5, 2015, at the age of 86, due to heart failure. His funeral was held at the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church, where he was a church elder. He was buried with full military honors at the Shinnecock tribal cemetery. He left behind his wife, Dorothy, his five children, 18 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. His dedication helped his people achieve important rights and recognition.
