Marguerite A. Smith, Esq.

Marguerite A. Smith, Esq. is an enrolled Shinnecock – an attorney, educator, dispute resolution professional, and advocate for health and justice – especially in the areas of racial/ethnic and gender bias prevention and intervention, and economic and environmental justice. Ms. Smith has been instrumental in advancing various Native rights, economic development, cultural preservation and health promotion efforts for her Native nation and others.

Ms. Smith is Vice President and long time member of the Board of Directors of the First Nations Development Institute, also serving its subsidiary, First Nations Oweesta Corporation. In addition to work on tribal governance and recognition, she has been an advocate for resource rights, supporting health care, Indian family wellness and economic development on her reservation.

Ms. Smith dedicates much of her free time to community groups on and off reservation, including SAMP (the Shinnecock Substance Abuse Mobilization Project), Alternatives Counselling Services, Inc., STAR, the Suffolk County Bar Association, WEDLI (Women Economic Developers of Long  Island), the College of Advisors of Erase Racism, the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church, the Long Island Presbytery, South Fork Community Health Initiative, the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Association of Suffolk County, and the Shinnecock Powwow Committee.

Born on the East End of Long Island, Ms. Smith resides on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. She currently leads her Native nation’s participation in a CDC initiative called Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country, designed to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. Her work history includes government service, corporate employment, not-for-profit program operations, and private law practitioner based in Suffolk County.

Ms. Smith’s “family times” are most important to her, as wife, “stepmom and grandma,” sister, and to many – “auntie” and “cousin.” Her civic-minded contributions have positively affected her community, establishing a legacy for this and future generations.