Tribe Sets Phased Approach to Re-Entry

The Mashpee Wampanoag Emergency Management Department released a phased re-entry plan on March 30. The entire plan is posted on the Tribe’s website under the Emergency Management Department.

The MWT Phased Return to Re-entry Guidelines provides a safe, measured process for returning toward new normalcy in phases. The plan is based on all phases on continued prevention principles and daily surveillance of the health-indicators impacting the Community.

Tales from Granny Squannit: Spring is Here

Alewives and blueback herring have had a long journey from the Atlantic Ocean to come here to spawn in the fresh waters in Mashpee on Land of the Wampanoag–People of the First Light. For more than 1,200 years they have visited us and still do. They swim all over Massachusetts. In Harper’s magazine in 1885 it was noted that Nemasket River in Middleborough was called an “Indian Journey” when herrings came. Shortly all the rivers will be full. If you see osprey and sea gulls flying above they are a sure sign that herring are here because they love herring also.

Mashpee Middle School to Offer Wampanoag Language Class

Mashpee Middle-High School will offer Wôpanâak, a language used by the Wampanoag Tribe, to 7th grade students this spring as part of language exploration.

“Just a phenomenal example of the relationship we’ve continued to build. It’s just a phenomenal thing,” Mashpee Middle-High School Principal Mark Balestracci said during the school committee meeting last week, March 17. “It’s really a great opportunity for all of our kids.”

Housing Department Seeking Bids for Residential Rehab

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Housing Department is seeking bids from qualified contractors for: Residential Rehabilitation located in Mashpee, MA. The pre-bid conference will be held Friday, April 9th 2021 at the resident’s site. Due to Covid-19, there will be two available meeting times, 9am and 11am. Please email trevor.carrington@mwtribe-nsn.gov or call (508)245-2497 to reserve a time. Information on this meeting is contained in the bid package. If you have already attended a previous pre-bid conference for the residence, you are not required to attend. The bid due date is scheduled for Friday, April 16th 2021. Bid packages may be requested and submitted by emailing trevor.carrington@mwtribe-nsn.gov. Bids received from qualified Native American contractors will be given preference per TERO.

Monthly Covid-19 Update from MWT Emergency Management

The second to last week of March, Barnstable County had recorded more than 1,000 new positive COVID-19 tests in an average over the previous 14 days, with a positive-test rate of 5.6%. The positivity rate was more than double the statewide average during this timeframe. Also toward the end of March, the first case of the Brazilian variant P1 has been announced in Massachusetts in Barnstable County. B117 and B1351 have been identified in Massachusetts.

NOW RECRUITING for the 3rd Year of The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe AmeriCorps Program

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe AmeriCorps Program is currently seeking 5 self-motivated Enrolled Tribal Members between the ages of 18-24 to commit FULL Time for 10 Months (1700 hours) of service opportunities within the Mashpee Wampanoag Community and surrounding communities.

Applicants must be team players with positive attitudes!! Must be able to serve M-F 830AM - 430PM with some additional weekends and evenings. Driver’s license or own reliable transportation is required. Must pass criminal history, NSPOW and Federal background checks.

Food Pantry Now Taking Orders by Phone

The Food Pantry is now asking that all pantry orders be placed by phone. Upon arrival at the Pantry, call (508) 477-0208 ext 189 and place order to further protect clients and staff during the ongoing pandemic.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Food Pantry, located at the Community and Government Center, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from Noon to 4:00 p.m.

MWT Emergency Management Director Participates in 3rd NCAI Disaster Preparedness Webinar

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) hosted a three-part webinar series on tribal disaster preparedness efforts. During the webinar series, tribal emergency management experts walked tribal leaders and staff through the 2017 Tribal Declarations Pilot Guidance, answered questions, and highlighted how tribal nations can access emergency disaster resources.

Grief Support Group

Grief Support Group

Mashpee Health Service Unit have organized a monthly Grief Support Group. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4:00 PM over skype. You may access the support group at join.skype.com/Ay61CCs4BFMS

The Health Service Unit recognizes the great loss the community is feeling at this time and how overwhelming this must be. Please be aware you are not alone and we can come together to support one another.

SEEKING CULTURE-KEEPERS; NATIVE HISTORIANS; SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS For Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe SPEAKERS BUREAU

The Tribe’s Education Department has organized a Speakers Bureau, comprised of tribal culture-keepers and subject matter experts. Topics are as diverse as the individual members of the bureau, and range from tribal historical perspectives, to colonization, sovereignty, government relations, tribal constitutions and courts, to instructional strategies beneficial to the engagement of tribal students.