Obituary: Elizabeth Thunderbird Haile, Shinnecock Indian Nation Elder, Dies at 85

Died: Friday, August 21

Visitation: Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hamptons United Methodist Church located at 160 Main Street in Southampton.

Services: Services will take place at the church following visitation starting at 2 p.m.

Obituary: Elizabeth ‘Chee Chee Thunderbird’ Haile, an elder the Shinnecock Indian Nation, passed away on August 21, 2015 at her home with her family by her side. She was 85.

Haile has graced the Shinnecock Powwow since the beginning with her prayer dance rendition of The Lord’s Prayer.

She has served on Tribal Council and on board of directors of the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum, was a member of Shinnecock Presbyterian and Southampton Methodist churches and taught dance.

Haile had a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta, a master’s degree from New York University and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Southampton College.

She was the wife of Richard Haile and the mother of their four children: Scott, Holly, Ben and Tina, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of four.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Padoquohan Medicine Lodge, Inc. PO Box 5078, Southampton, New York 11969.