September Mittark

Tribe Breaks Ground on New Early Childhood Center

Scan the QR Codes for a Virtual Walkthrough of the Childhood Center

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will mark an important milestone on Monday, September 1, at 2:00 p.m., with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Early Childhood Center on Tribal lands in Mashpee.

The project has been years in the making and represents a major investment in children, families, education sovereignty, and the future of the Tribal community.

The new center is planned for the Tribe’s housing development off Meetinghouse Road. The 6,650-square-foot child care center is supported by federal Community Project funding and additional non-federal project funds. The facility will include classrooms, a multipurpose room, built-in kitchenettes, an infant and toddler room, and preschool space for young children.

Most importantly, the center will be built on Tribal trust land. That makes this more than a building project. It creates a place where early learning can be grounded in our culture, language, accurate Tribal history, and community values from the very beginning of a child’s education.

Community members can also view the planned center by scanning the QR code included with the Early Childhood Center rendering. The QR code opens a virtual view of the center and helps show what this long-awaited project will look like as it moves forward.

The groundbreaking also speaks to a practical need for Tribal families. Access to quality child care supports working parents, helps children build strong foundations, and strengthens the Tribe’s ability to provide services here in our ancestral homeland.

The project is also connected to broader workforce and economic development. As construction and future operations move forward, the Early Childhood Center will create opportunities for Tribal employment, contracting, training, and long-term community support.

As the Tribe gathers to break ground, this milestone reflects a commitment to the youngest members of the community and to the generations who will learn, speak, play, and grow in a place created by the Mashpee Wampanoag people for Mashpee Wampanoag families.

 

TERO Registration Drive Expands Opportunities for Tribal Workers

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe TERO Office is expanding its employment list to better connect Tribal members with upcoming job opportunities.

The registration drive will help TERO identify qualified and interested workers for projects that include the new Childcare Center, Tribal Housing Community Center, and First Light Casino.

All construction trades are encouraged to register, including plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, HVAC workers, laborers, carpenters, roofers, drywall workers, painters, landscapers, masons, and cement workers.

TERO is also building its list of Tribal members interested in non-construction opportunities. This includes caterers, cooks, traditional leaders, office and administrative workers, receptionists, secretaries, customer service workers, and people with other professional or service-based experience.

The registration drive will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Government and Community Center, 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee.

Attendees should bring identification and any relevant certifications. Construction applicants should have a minimum OSHA 10 certification for project work. Tribal members who still need OSHA certification are encouraged to contact the TERO Office for assistance.

For more information, contact Ellen Sharpe at 508-477-0208, ext. 175.

 

Youth Sobriety Powwow Set for September 19

The Mashpee Wampanoag Youth Council invites the community to attend the Youth Sobriety Powwow on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Powwow Grounds.

This free community gathering will bring people together for a full day of drums, dancing, food, and support for youth sobriety. Grand Entry will begin at 12:00 p.m.

The day will include lunch and dinner breaks, day money, and Eastern dancing. Head dancers are Shaylee Johnson and Mategwas Strickland, and Little Miss Wampanoag Weetamo Pocknett is also featured on the event flyer.

Admission is free. Community members are encouraged to bring pop-up tents and chairs.

For questions, please email lrstyle2422@gmail.com.

Explore Additional News in this month's Nashauonk Mittark

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Tribal Youth and Elders Wanted for Community Audio Project

The National Park Service is providing audio equipment to help the Tribal community record a series of informative podcast episodes. The project will bring youth and elders together, with Tribal youth interviewing elders about Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Tribal history, culture, and other topics the community would like to learn more about and preserve through audio recordings.

Some episodes may be created for the National Park Service, while others can remain available exclusively within the Tribal community.

Read more →
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Wampanoag Communities Invited to Provide Input on Boston Monument Design

Tribal members and families of the Mashpee, Aquinnah, and Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribes are invited to a community unveiling and feedback session for the White Pine Gathering Circle, a Wampanoag-designed monument proposed for Boston. The first presentation will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe Meeting House at 128 Herring Pond Road in Plymouth, just before the Tribe's regularly scheduled Cultural Night.

The monument has been developed through a community-driven process led by the Wampanoag Consulting Alliance. Tribal representatives have worked together through workshops, advisory committee meetings, and design reviews to define what an Indigenous monument should represent and how it should serve future generations. The selected concept reflects the Creation Story, Wampanoag relationships to land and water, and the desire for a lasting place of gathering, teaching, reflection, and intertribal connection.

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Ethics Commission Election: August Deadlines and September Election

Tribal citizens are reminded that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Ethics Commission election process is continuing, with important August deadlines coming up ahead of the General Election on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The Ethics Commission is part of the Tribe’s Code of Ethics Ordinance and is intended to support accountability, public trust, and fair enforcement of the ethics standards that guide Tribal governance.

Nominations opened at the June 14 General Body Meeting, and nominee materials were due at the July 12 General Body Meeting. Nominees were required to submit a letter of interest, reasons they wish to be elected to the Commission, and reference contact information.

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Tribe Seeking On-Call Emergency Contractor

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is accepting bids from qualified construction contractors interested in providing on-call emergency repair and maintenance services for Tribal housing under a one-year contract.

The anticipated work includes windows, doors, roofing, and related emergency housing repairs. Contractors should submit a bid along with a brief letter explaining their proposed contract and payment structure.

Bids may be mailed or dropped off at 483 Great Neck Road South in Mashpee, faxed to 774-361-6033, or emailed to wayne.rego@mwtribe-nsn.gov. Submissions should be marked “Mashpee Wampanoag Housing Bid.” The deadline will be announced once confirmed.

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Contractor Bids Requested for Deborah Bottles Way Home Repairs

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is accepting contractor bids for home maintenance and repair work at a residence on Deborah Bottles Way. The anticipated work includes windows, window trim, clapboards, and roofing.

A site walk-through is available for contractors who would like to review the work before submitting a bid. To schedule a walk-through, contact Ellen at 508-477-0208, extension 175.

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50 Years Since the Mashpee Nine

The Mashpee Wampanoag community recently gathered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mashpee Nine and reflect on the lasting importance of the right to beat the drum.

The anniversary was marked with two screenings of Mashpee Nine, including a Tribal youth and family movie night at the Native Land Conservancy and a public screening at Cotuit Federated Church. The first screening was held for the Tribe, while the Cotuit Federated Church screening was open to the public.

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Natural Resources Department Seeks Catering Proposals for Talking Circle

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Natural Resources Department, in partnership with the University of Rhode Island, is seeking proposals from qualified caterers to provide lunch service for a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Talking Circle on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

The selected caterer will provide a complete lunch, beverages, and dessert for approximately 75 people. The event will be held at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Community and Government Center Gym, located at 483 Great Neck Road South in Mashpee. Lunch must be fully delivered, set up, and ready to serve by 12:00 p.m.

Read more →
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Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project to Host Immersion Camp

The Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project invites community members of all ages to take part in the 2026 Immersion Camp, taking place October 10-12 at the Wampanoag Common Lands, located at 266 Bishops Highway in Kingston.

This community-centered weekend will focus on Wôpanâak language, culture, connection, and camping. Participants will have the opportunity to challenge themselves to learn Wôpanâak in a fun, supportive, and welcoming immersion setting.

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Education Department Announces New Scholarship Opportunity for 2026-2027 School Year

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Education Department is pleased to announce a new scholarship opportunity for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Department will offer thirteen $1,000 scholarships to Tribal members who need support for post-high school education, including trade school, undergraduate certificate programs, or undergraduate degree programs.

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Sacred Parenting Fall Session Begins September 14

Community members are invited to register for the fall session of Sacred Parenting, a certified parenting class recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Sacred Parenting welcomes all community members who care for the children in our community, including parents, future parents, aunties, uncles, grandparents, and relatives helping to nurture children in Tribal and urban communities.

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Congratulations to Our Recent Graduates

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is proud to recognize and celebrate recent graduates and their families. These accomplishments reflect hard work, dedication, perseverance, and the support of the families and community members who helped encourage each student along the way.

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From the Desk of TERO

TERO continues to work on the casino project. OSHA training has been offered, and one more training will be offered closer to the actual groundbreaking and hiring.

TERO, in conjunction with First Light Casino, will offer a ServSafe certificate class on July 15, 2026, at the Tribal Government Center. To register, please call Ellen or Ed at the Government Center at 508-477-0208 ext. 175.

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Johnson O’Malley Student Applications Requested from Tribal Families

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Education Department is asking all eligible Tribal families with school-age children to complete a Johnson O’Malley Student Application for each child.

The Johnson O’Malley Program helps support educational programs and services for Tribal youth. Information collected through the application process helps the Education Department plan for and pursue funding that can support educational enrichment, cultural programming, academic support, and other opportunities that benefit our students.

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Weetumuw School Now Enrolling for New Academic Year

Weetumuw School is now enrolling students for the new academic year.

Enrollment is open for the Primary Classroom, for children ages 3 to 6, and Lower Elementary, for children ages 6 to 9.

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Dartmouth Indigenous Fly-In Program Accepting Applications

Dartmouth College is accepting applications for its 2026 Indigenous Fly-In Program, an opportunity for rising high school seniors to visit Dartmouth's campus, connect with Native students and faculty, and learn more about the college admissions process.

The program is open to rising high school seniors who currently live and attend high school in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. Students who identify as Indigenous, or who have demonstrated an interest in Indigenous communities and/or Dartmouth's Native American and Indigenous Studies Department, are encouraged to apply.

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Elders Meeting Today, Saturday, August 1

The Mashpee Wampanoag Elders Meeting will take place today, Saturday, August 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tribal Government Center.

Elders are encouraged to attend, connect with one another, and take part in the monthly gathering.

Elders Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month unless otherwise announced.

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Harvard Powwow Calling All Vendors and Dancers

The Harvard University Native American Program is inviting vendors and dancers to take part in the 28th Annual Harvard Powwow on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The Powwow will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with Grand Entry at 1:00 p.m., at the Harvard University McCurdy Outdoor Track, located at 145 North Harvard Street in Allston, next to Harvard Stadium.

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Tribal Members Invited to Help Build Wet8 for Wampanoag Experience Powwow

Save the date for the Wampanoag Experience Powwow, taking place Saturday, October 17, at Round the Bend Farm, located at 92 Allens Neck Road South in Dartmouth.

The gathering will be led by Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal citizen Annawon Weeden and a host committee, with more details to be shared soon. The Wampanoag Experience Powwow will feature opportunities to celebrate and share Wampanoag culture, community, history, and traditional knowledge.

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Current Career Opportunities

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe currently has several job opportunities available across Tribal departments. Tribal members and community members are encouraged to review the full postings and application instructions on the Human Resources page.

To view full job descriptions, deadlines, and how to apply, please visit: https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/human-resources

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Tribe Now Accepting LIHEAP Applications

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe began accepting LIHEAP applications effective June 15, 2026.

LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps eligible households with home energy costs. Tribal citizens who are interested in applying or learning more about the program may contact Marnell H. Cash in the Employment and Training Department.

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List of Committee and Board Seat Openings

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Constitution Committee & Constitutional Reform Working Group

There are open seats on the Constitution Committee for the purposes of overseeing constitutional reform including the amendment approval process and presentation to the tribal membership. If you are interested in joining the constitution committee, please send a letter of interest to Secretary Landry at Talia.Landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov for Tribal Council approval.

Read more →
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Ball Committee

There are open seats on the Mashpee Wampanoag Ball Committee. Committee members will help plan the next ball. Those who are interested in joining should send a letter of interest to Secretary Landry at talia.landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

Read more →
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Cybersecurity Committee

There are currently 5 open seats for committee members to serve a four year term. If you are interested in serving on the Cybersecurity Planning Committee, please send a Letter of Interest to Secretary Landry at talia.landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov

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Weetumuw School Committee

The Weetumuw School Committee is tasked with aiding the school's administration and periodically reviewing the schools educational, financial, and cultural goals and policies. The committee will be comprised of seven members, with each member serving a two-year term.

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Youth Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee

The Youth Advisory Committee is looking for interested Tribal Members to join the Youth Advisory Committee. The committee’s main purpose is to consult with, and provide input to Tribal entities and Tribal individuals who desire such consultation in order to assist them with achieving maximum coordinated benefits for Mashpee tribal youth. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please send a Letter of Interest (LOI) to Secretary Landry at Talia.Landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

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Old Indian Cemetery Commission
Old Indian Cemetery Commission

The Old Indian Cemetery Commission will be responsible for creating the cemetery policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to help preserve and maintain the Old Indian Cemetery. The committee will be made up of nine members comprised of the following:

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Housing Commission
Housing Commission

The Housing Commission currently has two (2) open seats to be filled. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please send a Letter of Interest (LOI) to Secretary Landry at Talia.Landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

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Education Committee
Education Committee

The tribe is looking to get the Education Committee back up and running. There are currently five open seats on the committee. The committee will focus on scholarship opportunities and educational programming for tribal youth. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please send a Letter of Interest (LOI) to Secretary Landry at Talia.Landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

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Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Community Development Corporation (CDC)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Community Development Corporation (CDC) is currently seeking qualified tribal citizens to join the CDC Board of Directors. The CDC was organized to engage in activities that will promote the social welfare, economic security and community development of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and its enrolled citizens that will enable the Tribe to be self-sufficient and to provide economic support for its tribal citizens.

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Powwow Committee
Powwow Committee

The Pow Wow Committee is looking for Tribal Members to join the Committee for a 2-year term to plan the 103rd and 104th Annual Mashpee Wampanoag Pow Wow. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please send a Letter of Interest (LOI) to Secretary Landry at Talia.Landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

Read more →
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