May Mittark
Tribal Community Celebrates Annual Herring Day
The tribe’s annual Herring Day event took place last month, and tribal families were able to honor and celebrate the return of the Herring. It was a beautiful day for all to spend time outside on our homelands and keep this tradition going.
Medicine Man Guy Cash opened up the event by speaking with tribal youth about the importance of the Herring and the ways in which we honor their life. Following that, participants gave an offering to the Herring before grabbing their nets and entering the river.
While the Herring were not overly abundant, kids were still able to catch what was there. Some tribal members caught and released the fish, while others were kept. Native Environmental Ambassadors Isaiah Peters and Braydon Pocknett demonstrated how to clean and prepare the fish.
Kutâputunumuw to the Education Department for putting on this annual event. The community looks forward to next year’s Herring Day.
Tribal Girls Participate in Glam Camp
Last month, tribal girls participated in Glam Camp, a week-long sports, leadership, cultural appreciation, and wellness camp held at the Community and Government Center.
The tribe partnered with GLAM GIRL, a youth-founded, youth-led Global Local Athletic Movement that started with the vision of creating equity in sports. By combining sport practice, leadership training and service projects, GLAM GIRL creates more opportunities for young women and girls to play sports and promotes gender equality in our schools, communities and world.
The girls spent the week not only playing basketball but they were also able to learn about culture and traditional values. Each morning began with breakfast and a “word of the day” in Wampanoag to help set the girls on the right path for the rest of their daily activities.
I strolled by the church of my
childhood
Our old Indian Church at Mashpee
And it spoke to me in a voice so tender.
I have shared your voice and sorrows
Welcomed you each Sunday morn.
In the Sunlight of the summers
And in the winters wind and storm Although I’m old I still remember.
The horse and buggy I recall
Filled with many happy faces
Of the families large and small.
Out of the trails they come to worship.
The spirit of sabbath they did not lack.
As they traveled through the forest
Some with papooses on their backs.
Out of the past a handbell is ringing.
Calling them to come inside.
And they filled my pews and gallery.
How my old beams creaked with pride.
The old clock struck the hour of worship.
A few dogs nestled round the stove.
Waiting for their masters.
To hunt in the surrounding grove.
Once more I see the dear old parson.
Opening the Bible, he could not see.
It was just a force of habit.
For he preached from memory.
Sightless eyes, yet so courageous.
His soul took its flight so long ago.
Yet I never forget the Christian spirit.
Explore Additional News in this month's Nashauonk Mittark
List of Committee and Board Seat Openings
