Dear Community Members,

The Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project (WLRP) stands at a pivotal moment in our history. Guided by the visionary leadership of our dedicated board members and staff, and empowered by the united efforts of the Assonet Band of Wampanoag, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, and the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, we remain steadfast in our mission: to reclaim linguistic fluency for the Wampanoag Nation.

Our work is about more than language—it is about reclaiming what was nearly lost, strengthening our cultural identity, exercising intellectual sovereignty, and empowering our people with the voices that were taken from them. Each word spoken in Wôpanâak is an act of resilience, a declaration of survival, and a step toward a future where our language and traditions thrive once more.

But the past few years have tested us in ways we could not have anticipated. The upheaval of COVID disrupted our programs, isolating our learners and halted the momentum we had worked so hard to build. We also saw valued staff members leave—some because of the uncertainty of the times, others because of a lack of clear direction as we struggled to navigate the challenges before us. It was a period of loss, reflection, and rebuilding.

Yet, through it all, we persisted. We have begun to regain our footing, and our commitment to this work has never wavered. Now, we need leaders who will carry this work forward with clarity, dedication, and vision.

We Need Leaders Who Will Carry This Work Forward

WLRP is seeking dedicated individuals for the roles of President and Treasurer—leaders who believe in the urgency of our mission and are ready to make a lasting impact. The need for strong leadership has never been more urgent:

Our language is at a crossroads. While progress has been made, we need continued strategic leadership to expand access to classes, curriculum development, and language immersion programs.
Financial stewardship is critical. The Treasurer will play a vital role in ensuring the stability and growth of our programs, securing funding, and responsibly managing resources to sustain our work for generations to come.
The moment is now. We cannot afford to wait—without action, the momentum we have built could slow. Our community’s future depends on those willing to step up and lead.

We invite those who are ready to commit their time, expertise, and passion to join us in this essential work. Together, we can ensure that our language and culture continue to thrive—not just for today, but for generations to come.

How You Can Make a Difference

As President, you will be the guiding force working with the vision that is set by the community, advocating for resources, and ensuring that WLRP continues to grow and thrive.

As Treasurer, you will help safeguard the financial health of our organization, ensuring that every dollar supports the reclamation of our language.

To Be Considered

To ensure that our leadership remains deeply connected to the heart of our work, candidates must have participated in a Wôpanâak language class within the past year. If you have not yet taken a class but wish to serve, we encourage you to start your journey now.
To support those who are interested but may be behind in their classwork, we are offering two one-day immersion sessions on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. These sessions will provide an opportunity to strengthen your language skills and engage with the learning community.
A list of available classes can also be found here: Classes & Programs | WLRP 2024

Commitment and Deadline

The estimated time commitment for each position is 10-15 hours per month.
To be considered, letters of interest will be accepted on a rolling basis, but preference will be given to those that are submitted to info@wlrp.org by Monday, April 7.

This is more than a call for leadership—it is a call to those who understand that language is at the heart of who we are as Wampanoag people. If you are ready to serve, to lead, and to stand for the survival of our language, we urge you to step forward.

Please reach out if you have any questions or if you are interested in applying. Together, we can continue this extraordinary work, ensuring that Wôpanâak will be spoken for generations to come.

With respect and determination,
WLRP Board of Directors
info@wlrp.org
Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project