Since interruption for our people over 400 years ago, we’ve withstood constant attacks to erode and erase our culture and traditions. Let’s be real, it’s a system of cultural genocide. Through the strength of our ancestors, we have remained here on our ancestral homeland. Today, we stand strong and resist any forces that challenge our traditions. Whether it is institutions that are misrepresenting our culture and heritage, schools that fail to educate our children, or internal struggles at our council table, we will rise and move forward to improve the world our children live in.

We’ve been through a lot over the past month, and I thought it was important to talk directly with you about how we can stay strong and connected as Mashpee Wampanoag.

The Mashpee way has always been that we can agree to disagree politically and ultimately continue to love each other as the family that we are. We need to focus on healing and our ability to work together as a community in order to move forward. While our community as a whole has faced internal division, it is essential to remember that, at our best, we are a people who embody unity, resilience, and the commitment to pave the way for our future generations. At the end of the day we are all Mashpee, and our strength comes from our circle.

Only when we work together with the community’s best interest at heart can we truly make progress for our people. This administration has proven and will continue to prove that we are capable of doing just that. In 2022 we acquired millions of dollars in grant funding to support our essential tribal services. We’ve worked diligently to provide a shelter for our tribal members in need and continue to make strides that strengthen tribal economic development.

I believe that we can remain on this path of growth and continue to serve the people in a good way.

Ahapây (Humbly),
Chairman Brian Weeden