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.

The documentary tells the story of the nine Wampanoag Tribal drummers who were the subject of a violent law enforcement raid during a gathering at Mashpee Pond 50 years ago. Their fight became a powerful moment of cultural justice and remains an important part of Mashpee Wampanoag history.

The film was produced by Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal citizen, historian, journalist, and author Paula Peters and directed by Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal citizen and filmmaker Talia Landry. Mashpee Nine first debuted in 2016, 40 years after the incident.

At the final event at Cotuit Federated Church, Paula Peters, Talia Landry, and Mashpee Wampanoag Chief Earl “Chiefie” Mills Jr., who was one of the Mashpee Nine, were present for a question-and-answer session following the film. Their participation helped deepen the conversation around the history of the Mashpee Nine, the impact of the raid, and the responsibility to keep this story alive for future generations.

The commemorative events also created an opportunity for Tribal youth and families to learn more about this important history. The youth and family screening included pizza, conversation, and a chance for students to receive a free Mashpee Nine book and T-shirt.

The anniversary served as a reminder that the right to gather, sing, drum, and carry culture forward was hard fought. Fifty years later, the story of the Mashpee Nine continues to speak to the strength, resilience, and cultural pride of the Mashpee Wampanoag people.