November Mittark
Town Meeting Articles Pass: Town to Transfer Property for Cemetery and Open Door to 12 Acres
The process to transfer more than 13.5 acres from the town to the tribe will begin after Article 10 and Article 12 passed at the Mashpee Town Meeting on Monday, October 16th.
About 594 voters attended town meeting, which began at 7 PM at Mashpee Middle-High School. Throughout town meeting, there was significant debate swirling around wastewater expenditures, Additional Dwelling Units, or ADUs, and the preservation of trees throughout Mashpee. But a significant amount of Mashpee Wampanoag tribal members turned up to support the transfer of four town-owned parcels of land, which equals to roughly 13.63 acres, to Tribal jurisdiction.
While Article 10, which surrounds the expansion of the Old Indian Meetinghouse Cemetery, passed with zero discussion and 455 votes, multiple tribal members stepped to the microphone to discuss Article 12.
The warrant article asked Mashpee residents to transfer three town-owned land parcels 35, 415 and 409 to Tribal jurisdiction. The parcels are at 35 Lake Ave.; 409 Main St.; and 415 Main St. and will make way for the construction of a true replica of a Wampanoag village. Chief Earl Mills Jr. said the passage of Article 12 would be a big win for the tribe, but also a considerable win for the community with the construction of the Wampanoag village.
"The citizens of the town will benefit. This is an educational project, but it's also a reason for people to come into Mashpee and spend their dollars at our local businesses," he said.
First Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds Ruling: Tribal Lands Remain in Trust
After more than 40 years of fighting to win back a small piece of tribal land that was stolen from our Tribe, the Mashpee Wampanoag won a significant victory yesterday, as the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that two Massachusetts parcels of land are part of the Tribe’s ancestral homeland and will remain held in trust.
The decision represents the third consecutive victory in federal court for our Tribe, a record that spans eight years.
“It is long past time that our collective communities heal, come together, and move forward,” said Brian Weeden, Chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. “For 40 years, we have fought simply to win back a small piece of our land stolen from us generations ago. The courts have now, on three separate occasions, joined the people in simply advocating for the right thing. We hope and expect to move forward with the appropriate recognition we deserve and the right to preserve our culture and traditions on our ancestral homeland.”
“ …In my heart there comes a longing
while I stand in deep reverie…
…Oh! My tribesmen, our traditions
not to forget”
—Sachem Mabel L. Pocknett Avant (NOOkMis), 1892-1964
I heard the Mashpee town selectmen recite the “Pledge of Allegiance” to America before their meeting, singing the words ”justice is for all.” It’s justice for you, not us—the Mashpee Wampanoag people— because we don’t have our land!
Now it’s different that the land is coming back to us as it should be. I am so happy and smiling, All of Mashpee land has spiritual significance to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Our ancestors told the cultural stories on our land. Most of you voted Monday night for land to be given back; that is justice. Thank you forever.
Explore Additional News in this month's Nashauonk Mittark
List of Committee and Board Seat Openings
