The Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Flag is insulting, demoralizing and of the utmost disrespect to Indigenous people. Too many of our ancestors have died and left Mother Earth with broken hearts after they saw this flag’s depiction of a sword over Native American head left flying in the wind, on state cars, on various decals for sale, letters and television. We all have choked back tears from time to time and still do Its long overdue and time to change so the tears and heartaches can stop.
Accordingly, our youth and future generations should not have to endure this humiliation or cultural hurt. We are a proud race of Indigenous people who has helped others to survive when they came across the waters to live after 1620, yet still seeing the flag we feel chopped like onions in a frying pan.
John Peters Jr., Mashpee Wampanoag and Director of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs told legislators in 2017, “It is long past due in Massachusetts to consider our shared troubled history and be cognizant of the genocidal accuracy of the symbolism that the seal in part portrays.”
Currently, legislative efforts to establish a special commission changing the flag and seal is underway. Our hope is that changes will reflect true peace, justice and liberty for all people including indigenous citizens
If in fact, this portrayal of a Native American is meant to honor native Americans in a respectful way, our suggestion would be to get rid of the sword and motto, keep the Indian and write People of the First Light Wampanoag and we hope with our broken hearts that this process will begin on the very next Sunrise or As Soon As Possible (ASAP)!!!
Sincerely,
Joan Tavares Avant, Mashpee Wampanoag, Elder- Deer Clan Mother
Gail Melix, Wampanoag & Quaker
