Ancestors Day Honors All Our Relations

 Our annual Ancestors Day Celebration was filled with prayer, song, and storytelling as the community came together to remember and honor all our relations who have passed on. This year's event had a last-minute location change to the Community and Government Center, rather than being held at the Old Indian Meetinghouse. However, the turnout remained high.

Deacon Wayne Jackson opened Ancestors Day with prayer; He was followed by Eleanor "Toodie" Coombs who sang a Grieving Song and recited a prayer in Wampanoag. Following that, the floor was open for tribal members to share their personal feelings of gratitude and to recall stories about the ancestors.

Many community members stood up one by one to talk about their relatives who had passed on. Prominent Mashpee names were spoken, representing almost every family within the tribe. The stories brought both laughs and tears to the room as community members were overcome with emotion. 

The event had a special honoring for the late Chief Vernon "Silent Drum" Lopez. His daughter, Rabbit Clan Mother Marlene Lopez, displayed a table with some of the items that belonged to Silent Drum. She described the items and their significance and recited stories from her father's life in Mashpee and his service during WWII.  

When Chairman Brian Weeden stood to speak, he began by singing a mourning song. When sharing his thoughts on Ancestors Day, he noted that it is a day to remember all the ancestors, even those who tribal members today did not have the privilege of meeting. He referenced the Great Swamp Massacre that took place in the 1600's during King Philip's war, taking time to remember those ancestors as well.

The event ended with a potluck-style feast. Participants were also able to take home a few flower bulbs to be planted at their relatives' gravesites. Kutâputunumuw to the Old Indian Meetinghouse Committee for hosting this special event and keeping the tradition going for our community.