Senators Markey and Moran Visit Mashpee

As Vernon "Buddy" Pocknett, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Massachusetts, and state Sen. Susan Moran, D-Falmouth, looked across Punkhorn Point and Ockway Bay, Pocknett said the federal government, the state, Cape Cod towns, and tribal leadership need to collaborate to clean area waters.

Markey and Moran spent time with tribal leadership to address federal funding requests made by the tribe, according to Markey. The meeting helped Markey understand how the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill and Inflation Reduction Act funding to the tribe has been used in the last two years.

"You used to be able to come here and get all the flounder you want, dig a couple holes and get a couple steamers. You can't do that anymore," said Pocknett, sagamore for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. "The nitrogen is killing all the fish. It's doing a lot of damage here."

Chairman Weeden was pleased that both lawmakers set aside time to learn how federal and state government impacts the tribe.

"Sen. Markey pointed out during the visit that progress is realized when vision and funding are aligned," said Chairman Weeden. "We share that vision and will work hard to help secure the funding to realize a better future for Cape Cod and our tribal nation."

During the visit, Pocknett expressed his frustration with leadership in towns like Barnstable and Falmouth, who he said haven't moved to help with the buildup of nitrogen in areas that connect to Mashpee. The town of Barnstable, in particular, owns land that connects to Ockway Bay.

Moran said there needs to be a multi-dimensional approach to fix septic systems that are close to the water.

"Otherwise we are just sort of shoveling against the tide," she said.

"We want to be a lot more helpful," said Markey.

Markey and Moran also spent time with Clan Mother Anita "Mother Bear" Peters. She took them on a tour of a traditional winter wetu, which was built in 2013; and the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum.

As Markey made his way around the property, he listened intently to Peters who spoke about colonization, including aspects of history like King Philip's War and tribal leadership that has evolved over 10,000 years.

Peters also spoke about the 69 Wampanoag tribes that existed when the Pilgrims landed. Each tribe had their own chief and medicine man at that time. "For the whole Nation, there was a supreme sachem and all the tribes would have a say on who that leader would be," she said.

Moran asked Mother Bear how the tribe works to educate tribal youth on culture, and tribal history. Peters said when she was growing up in Mashpee, only tribal members lived throughout the area.

"You were steeped in it (culture). You lived it every day," she said. "Nowadays, we've branched out but you gotta keep your kids in the circle."

The trio also viewed an 1877 map of Mashpee, and Peters spoke of the tribe's loss of land. She referred to a 1790 deed, which allotted 60 acres to all tribal members over age 21. If tribal members were married, both husband and wife individually received 60 acres, she said.

"You could trade it with other tribal members but you could never sell it to an outsider," she said.

In 1869, the state asked tribal members if they wanted to become an incorporated town.

"We voted no," she said. "They made us one anyway."

Markey shared his first time visiting his family's home in Ireland. He said he could feel the energy of his ancestors and felt at home when his first cousin offered him tea and cake.

"In Malden, when I was a boy, my mother would send me out to the A&P to get vanilla cake and tea. I thought it (the tradition of tea and cake) came from the A&P in Malden," he said. "But it actually came from that stone house in the farm in Ireland."

For Markey, it was powerful to see the federal funding in action.

"Just being here and talking to tribal leaders helped me to be better educated in terms of what additional resources are needed," he said.

Pocknett said his time spent with the senators was a good conversation.

"But I want to see results," he said. "If more people realize what's happening to the water, maybe we can get some things done.

 Rachel Devaney, CCT