Our Circle (Continued)

As it has been a trying time for the Tribe, I believe our journey has always been one of faith, perseverance, forgiveness and healing. I write Our Circle to share with our Tribal community the successes over the past 3 years but also with the hopes that you will continue to trust that this Administration will continue to do our very best to implement initiatives that protect our sovereignty and lift our Tribal nation.

Collectively, we want to assure all that our efforts are constant and come from only good. We came into office with the understanding that we had much to clean up. We also came in with the experience and education to try and do so standing strong on the platform of transparency and listening to the voices of our community.

There is always a lesson to learn, there is always a lesson to teach but the willingness to understand is also a great attribute and inevitably who we are as a people. We stand humbly, we stand united, and we are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with-We should always remember to own that power!

This article shares our administrative efforts and includes current highlights as well as projected plans for our future. Please accept the outline below as a prelude to the first ever Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Annual Report which is well deserved and should provide a history of our collective efforts for future generations.

· Committees, Commissions, and Task Forces which support our government and operations

· Drafting of new Tribal law and passage of 285 Tribal Resolutions

· Operational accomplishments and efforts which directly affect our children & families, education, elders, housing, childcare, homelessness, veterans, disabled, and more

· Continued efforts to pursue and secure funding to maintain Tribal government and social services

· External Affairs to include joint actions with local, state, and federal representatives

· National Tribal Representation

· State & Federal Litigation Victories

· Financial position improvement, transparency and projections

· Strategic Economic Development & Planning

· Acquired property, land and negotiation efforts

Overall, I want to honor our general body for upholding our cultural and traditional values, standing as a united front and holding this administration accountable – it is ultimately us and our ancestors that govern and guide every step of our way. Membership can expect the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Annual Report to be published April 1, 2024.

Respectfully,
Cassie D. Jackson
MWTC Secretary