On September 2, 1956, Supreme Sachem Leroy Perry officially responded to the persuasion of the Mashpee Wampanoag to appoint a new chief. Below is an excerpt of that letter.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA1) program under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, will provide rental assistance to tribal households at or below 80% of the area median income.

The Powwow Committee is currently looking to fill open seats as they begin planning for the 2023 Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow. All tribal members who are interested are asked to please send a letter of interest to Tribal Council Secretary Cassie Jackson at cassie.jackson@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

The CDC is bringing back Three Sisters Market for a special holiday event on November 20th from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The CDC is looking for vendors to be a part of this fun day filled with history, social singing, drumming, dancing, raffles & more.

After pausing for several years, tribal youth were able to come back together and share the Youth Sobriety Powwow with the community. The traditional sounds, vendors, food and activities at the annual homecoming in July were present last month at the Tribe’s Powwow Grounds.

Tribal council finalized the sale of the La Plaza Del Sol at 72 Main St. in Mashpee on October 31. With the sale complete, the Tribe can now look ahead to meeting urgent housing needs. To support this, Tribal Council also approved a new position of Shelter Manager that will help tribal members that live in the new housing.

On Saturday, November 5th, the Tribe’s Education Department is hosting a Wampanoag Nation Social. The social will be held at the Tribe’s Community and Government Center from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. All of our relations are invited with specific prizes and programs for college students.

The Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project kicked off its fall community classes last month and continues to offer classes in the winter. WLRP is offering a Wôpanâak Noun Possession class from January 5th until February 23rd.

The Education Department is excited to announce its Ribbon Skirt making class taught by Mrs. Nitana Hicks Greendeer. Classes start November 1st and run every Tuesday from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the Community and Government Center.

Meagen R. Hendricks "Medicine Waters" was inducted into the National Association of Woman In Construction (NAWIC) as the President of Rhode Island's Chapter 52 on September 13, 2022. She was the former Vice President of the Chapter.

On October 24, in coordination with TERO, the Gaming Authority is advertising two RFPs - one is for the Owner's Rep and a second for Construction Management. The two RFPs continue the Tribe on a path of growth, progression, and opportunity while revitalizing the economic future for the City of Taunton and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The United States Census Bureau is in need of field representatives for states across New England, with a specific need for people on Cape Cod. Having tribal members in this position will help ensure that our tribal community is counted accurately and receives the funding we need.

The Tribe’s annual budget was approved at the October 9 General Membership Meeting. A total of 43 votes were cast, with 33 yes and 10 no.

We are coming to the end of powwow season. Below are a few local powwows open to the public:

The United American Indians of New England (UAINE) is organizing the 53rd annual National Day of Mourning on November 24th. The gathering will take place at Cole’s Hill (above Plymouth Rock) starting at 12 pm.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for the 2022 winter season. LIHEAP is designed to help eligible low-income households supplement part of their winter heating service bills.

UMASS Law will continue to sponsor its series of free legal clinics for tribal members through November. Clinics will be held from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Tribal Court Peacemaker Room

Mashpee Wampanoag tribal members represented our community at various Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations last month. While the holiday is still not official in the commonwealth, many local towns have chosen to adopt Indigenous People’s Day and host events to celebrate Indigenous people and their resilience.

Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Roselyn Tso began touring several sites across Indian Country to gain a better perspective on national and regional issues affecting the tribal members served by the Indian health system.

The Food Pantry is giving out $25 gift cards to tribal members for thanksgiving. The cards are first come, first served while supplies last.