July Mittark
Three Sisters Farmers Market Continues in July and August
The Mashpee Wampanoag Community Development Corporation (CDC) hosted its first Three Sisters Farmers and Crafts Market last month. The thenext markets are on the following Saturdays: July 9, July 23, August 6, and August 20 from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM at the Tribe's Powwow Grounds.
The shellfish will continue to be a draw for customers through the summer with other garden stands, native crafts, and natural care items.
The CDC is excited to help this market grow and keep the community coming. It was terrific to see natives and non-natives come together to purchase from the market and sell on tribal lands. The CDC is devoted to promoting overall wellness for the tribal community, investing in local entrepreneurship, and investing in our local economy.
As the CDC partners with NRC and tribal fishers, it will advocate for aboriginal rights. This entails the right to sell fish and meat as a means of sustainability within the American Commerce system. A fact that many people and state officials don't understand. The CDC will continue to support this fight and educate the public through the Three Sisters Farmers and Crafts Market.
The CDC is accepting vendors on a rolling basis. All crafters, DIY, bakers, cooks, gardeners, fishers, and any who create would like to make some extra cash, please join the market. Vendors do not have to commit to all the dates to participate. The CDC is accepting hot food vendors as well and is looking for entertainment.
Spread the word and visit the market to support the tribal economy.
The CDC is 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.
Wunee keesuq everyone. It has been an honor to serve as this year's Powwow Princess. As my reign comes to a close, I want to thank every member of my tribal family who has helped guide me in one way or another along this journey. Without your support, I would not have been able to serve in the capacity that I did over the past year. It can be a lot going from a tribal youth to a prominent figure representing the tribe and given that, I would like to leave some words of wisdom that I have learned over this past year in hopes of providing guidance to our next princess: First, seek knowledge from your elders. Sit down and learn from our elders, both those within your immediate family and your extended tribal family. Their knowledge is boundless and they can guide you in the right direction. Second, get used to being uncomfortable. Believe it or not, not many people walk around with crowns on their heads, so you will face lots of stares and questions when entering a room. In those moments, keep your head up and be proud to teach and speak on behalf of our people. Third, know that your community has your back. Know that you always have people in your corner supporting you and cheering you on every step of the way. If you ever need anything, the community will be there if you simply ask. Finally, be an active tribal citizen. If there is an event and you are free, go to it. No matter how big or small. Go to clan mother's meetings, tribal council meetings, general membership meetings, etc. A good princess keeps informed on what is happening within the community. I hope that this advice serves you well. Again, thank you to my tribal community for giving me this platform to learn, grow, and represent the Wampanoag people. Congratulations and good luck to whoever our next princess may be, I know you will do great.
Dasia Peters Powwow Princess 2021-2022
Kerri Helme Featured in Allure for Reviving Tattooing Traditions
Kerri Helme's tattoos go far deeper than the layers of flesh a pigment-spiked needle made from turkey bone can pierce. Rows of triangles adorn her neckline. Tiny dots stretch from either corner of her eyes, sprinkling over her nose bridge. Sure, they're aesthetic. But they're also part of a tradition cultivated over generations by the people whose blood runs through her veins.
Helme a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, living in New Bedford, on the land of her ancestors was recently featured in Allure for her work to revive tattooing traditions. The cultural traditions of her tribal community were a key part of her upbringing, during which she attended powwows, ceremonies, and other social events. As she grew older, the importance of preserving these centuries-old customs and educating other Indigenous Americans about them became more than a passion — it is what drives her. Early on in her career, Helme worked as a Native American cultural interpreter and curator at Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Today, she is a cultural instructor for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, further spreading knowledge of these ancient customs, focusing on songs, dances, crafts, and making tribal regalia. She also oversees the royal members of the tribe, including helping the Mashantucket Pequot princess with ceremonies and other duties.
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