June Mittark
Community Raises Earl “Swift Eagle” MIlls Jr. As Chief
On Saturday, May 6th our community came together to raise a new Chief following the passing of Chief Vernon “Silent Dum” Lopez. The ceremony, which took place within our Sacred Circle on 55 Acres, was a beautiful example of Mashpee Wampanoag culture, tradition, and community. The consensus resulted in the raising of Earl “Chiefie” Mills Jr. as a new Chief of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Vernon “Buddy” Pocknett as a new Sagamore. Chiefie, or Chief Swift Eagle, is the son of Chief Earl Mills Sr. and Shirley Mills. Sagamore Pocknett is the son of the late Chief Vernon “Sly Fox” Pocknett and Bernadine Pocknett.
I sat down with Chiefie one afternoon to discuss his feelings about the ceremony. He stated that he felt pleased with the outcome given that the community was able to come together as one, which he expressed is “the traditional way in which we come to a consensus”. He simply wanted the people to stand in support of whoever they felt was best fit, whether that ended up being him or not, because the position of Chief was not one that he actively sought out.
This is the traditional way of Wampanoag people when being considered as a new Chief; It is not a position that the individual would seek for themselves. Instead, they can choose to accept or deny consideration when asked by a community member and then see if they are ultimately chosen by the people at the raising ceremony. Given that the position is lifelong unless revoked, it takes a level of dedication to one’s community to be willing to accept it. According to Earl, the title of Chief is a “burden to wear” because of its inherent demands, but it is one that he now proudly carries.
Youth Create 13 Moons Wampanoag Exhibit
A group of Wampanoag youth in grades 3-6 are working on creating a traditional homesite exhibit at the Quashnet school under the guidance of tribal members Darius Coombs and Eleanor "Toodie" Coombs. The project is funded through the ARP-AIRE grant run by Talia Landry. The Thirteen Moons exhibit will feature six sections traditionally found in a Wampanoag homesite. The space will have a small wetu and designated areas for planting mounds, recreational games, cooking, fishing, and working with hides.
Oh GREAT Quahog!
So Shiny and bright in your purple and white,
the feel of you beneath my feet is like plucking a star out of the sky, before plucking you, from the mother, I give offerings of corn meal to the water beings and mother Earth.
Giving great thanks for nurturing you like a child, so that my Elders and family may feast upon you, as your flesh nurtures the soul, your beautiful colors within nurtures our spirit as we adorn ourselves with intricate pieces made of you, whether it be a necklace, earrings, bracelets, or gifts, I realize the beautiful gift I have been given.
Explore Additional News in this month's Nashauonk Mittark
List of Committee and Board Seat Openings
