In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tribal Council began live-streaming meetings over zoom. The platform, while convenient, created security problems for information that is only open to the Tribal community. Last month, the Tribal Council passed resolution 2023-RES-114 revoking the use of Zoom for the live-streaming of Tribal Council Meetings while it further looks into all concerns the technology raises.

With the resolution's passage, all Tribal Council Meetings have returned to how they were initially held, in person only. Meetings are open to all enrolled tribal members and their spouses.

Applications for the Mashpee Wampanoag Transitional Housing and Shelter Program are being accepted and processed. The shelter at the former Plaza Del Sol at 72 Main Street in Mashpee is scheduled to open by mid-January, providing shelter to Native American families. Instructions on applying along with eligibility requirements can be found online by clicking here.

Mashpee Wampanoag Broadband is looking for committed Task Force Members.  Broadband meets once a week as a task force meeting with consultants and other local internet/broadband committees on the Cape.  If you think you might be interested and want to learn more about broadband, you are invited to attend one of the task force meetings. The task force meets every Wednesday at 2:30 at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Community and Government Center.  Anyone interested in joining must send a “Letter of Interest” to the Tribal Council.  For complete details, please call Ellen at 508-477-0208 Ext. 175.

Tribal citizen Rob “the Warrior” DeGaetano, a junior middleweight fighter, won his second professional boxing match in December to a packed house including many tribal friends and family at the Worcester Palladium II.

After a prayer to the ancestors in the locker room, the 21-year-old fighter was escorted out to the ring by his entourage including a tribal drum and traditional dancers to thunderous applause.

“The ring walk is very sacred to me,” said Rob whose goal is to be the first male Native American world champion. “Going into the ring, we are Wampanoag and this is how we do business.”

Being #WinterReady means understanding winter risks you face and taking steps now to prepare.  The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department in collaboration with ready.gov shares some winter preparedness tips and safety information.  

• Sixty-three percent of temperature-related deaths are attributable to cold exposure.

• Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen.

• Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car.

Tribal council unanimously passed resolution 2023-RES-125, establishing the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Veterans Council. The Veterans Council was established to advise Tribal Council on all matters that impact Tribal veterans to better support and increase veteran opportunities. The council will also review and assess Tribal, federal, and state laws,

regulations, existing programs, and services relating to veterans to enhance the lives of veterans and their families.

The schedule for upcoming tribal council meetings is posted below. Meetings are open to tribal citizens to attend and are not open to the general public. Meetings are held in person at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Community and Government Center at 483 Great Neck Road South. Please check the tribal council meeting calendar for links, agendas, and attendance details posted before each meeting. You may also sign up to receive email notifications by sending an email to publicrelations@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

The Education Department has been developing a new website that will be launching soon. It is now testing the website with a small group of parents, teachers, and community members. Once live, all information regarding the Education Department will be accessible through this new site. This was a much-needed change to be able to fit all programming and other important information that the department provides in an easily accessible format. More details regarding the new website will continue to be shared. 

The Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project is providing the tribal community a series of language classes in 2024. The classes are offered in several communities and online. Please review the schedule below for prerequisite requirements and locations or visit WLRP’s website for complete details and to view other community programs https://www.wlrp.org/class-event-schedule.

AAA is offering a pilot program where tribal students who complete a AAA Drivers Ed package program will receive a free 1-year Basic AAA membership. Through this program, students will also be able to take their road test at one of five AAA branch locations: North Andover, Rockland, Somerset, Worcester, or West Springfield. Program fees are fully covered by the Mashpee Wampanoag Education Department. For more information, please contact John Hanlon at john.hanlon@mwtribe-nsn.gov, or email education@mwtribe-nsn.gov.

The Federal Communications Commission is taking applications for its Affordable Connectivity Program. Those who qualify can save up to $30 a month on their internet bill and up to $75 off if they live in tribal housing. Qualification is based on household income or if you, your child, or your dependent are enrolled in government programs like Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, or others. To apply, please visit www.getinternet.gov. 

Clan Mothers continue to meet weekly from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday. The gatherings are held at the Native Land Conservancy (NLC) office at 2B Center Street, Mashpee. All are welcome. Discussions range from traditional topics to topics of community concern. Many attendees often bring crafts.

Tribal youth are looking to make the Mashpee Wampanoag Youth Council active once again. All Native American youth, and non-native children who live within a tribal household, from ages 13-21 can join.

If any Tribal Youth would like to join, they should attend the next Youth Council meeting on January 8, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the council chambers or email Councilman Andrews at Nelson.AndrewsJr@mwtribe-nsn.gov.