Steven Peters
Tribal Members Invited to Help Build Wet8 for ...

Community members are invited to attend the Wampanoag Experience Powwow on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Round the Bend Farm in South Dartmouth.

The event will be led by Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal citizen Annawon Weeden and a host committee. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. at Round the Bend Farm, located at 92 Allens Neck Road South in Dartmouth.

Steven Peters
Mashpee Friendship Festival to Celebrate Race ...

The Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee invites the community to the 6th Annual Friendship Festival on Race Amity Day on Sunday, June 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Mashpee Community Park.

This family-friendly community event will bring people together for an afternoon of music, dance, speakers, children’s activities, free food, face painting, and more. Featured performers include The ZYG 808, Bongogenesis, Candida Rose, and the Neesh La Dancers.

Steven Peters
Chairman Weeden Calls for Action on Tribal ...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Brian Weeden, who also serves as First Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians, provided opening remarks this week at the National American Indian Housing Council’s 52nd Annual Convention & Tradeshow in Anchorage, Alaska.

During his remarks, Chairman Weeden emphasized the urgent need for Congress to reauthorize and modernize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, known as NAHASDA. The legislation is a critical tool for Tribal Nations working to address housing needs in their communities through self-determined, locally driven solutions.

Steven Peters
Chairman Brian Weeden Named Chairperson of ...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Brian Weeden has been named Chairperson of the Mashpee School Committee following the recent town election and committee reorganization.

Chairman Weeden, who has served on the School Committee since 2021, continues to bring a strong commitment to youth, education, cultural awareness, and community service to his role. His appointment as Chairperson is a meaningful moment for the Tribe and the Town of Mashpee, continuing the long history of Mashpee Wampanoag leadership in local government and education.

Steven Peters
Tribe to Begin Accepting LIHEAP Applications ...

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will begin accepting LIHEAP applications effective June 15, 2026.

LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps eligible households with home energy costs. Tribal citizens who are interested in applying or learning more about the program may contact Marnell H. Cash in the Employment and Training Department.

Mashpee Wampanoag Representation Continues on Mashpee Select Board

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Member and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer David Weeden was reelected to the Mashpee Select Board in the Town’s Annual Election held on Saturday, May 9.

David received 1,254 votes and will continue serving the Town of Mashpee in a role he has held since 2019. His continued service reflects the importance of Tribal representation in local government, especially in decisions that affect land, water, historic preservation, housing, development, and the character of the town.

Following the election, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal citizen Tracy Kelley-Wilson was named Vice Chair of the Mashpee Select Board. With David and Tracy both serving, there are now two Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal members on the five-member board.

Tribal Operations and Education Department Welcome New Staff

Tribal Operations and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Education Department are pleased to welcome new staff members supporting the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative.

The Department welcomes the return of Imani Frye, who will serve as Administrative Assistant/Data Steward for the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative. Imani’s professional knowledge, technical skills, and positive demeanor have already proven to be a strong asset to the Department. She is the daughter of Karen Frye and Raymond Mattos and the granddaughter of Curtis Frye Sr. and Clarice Bearse Frye.

The Department also welcomes José Lugo as Program Manager of the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative. José brings a strong background in education and workforce development. He began his workforce journey at age 16 and later earned his associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree. He has taught in K-12 schools and served for more than 10 years as adjunct faculty in higher education in the Colorado region.

Childbirth Education Class to Support Native and Indigenous Families

Local Native and Indigenous expecting moms and families are invited to attend a Childbirth Education Class on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project, located at 2C Center Street in Mashpee.

The class is offered in partnership with the Mashpee Wampanoag community and the VNA of Cape Cod Maternal Health Program. This supportive, interactive class is designed to help expectant parents feel confident and prepared for labor, birth, and early parenthood.

Mashpee Friendship Festival to Celebrate Race Amity Day

The Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee invites the community to the 6th Annual Friendship Festival on Race Amity Day on Sunday, June 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Mashpee Community Park.

This family-friendly community event will bring people together for an afternoon of music, dance, speakers, children’s activities, free food, face painting, and more. Featured performers include The ZYG 808, Bongogenesis, Candida Rose, and the Neesh La Dancers.

Chairman Weeden Appointed Co-Chair of NCAI Land and Natural Resources Committee

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Brian Weeden has been appointed to serve as Co-Chair of the National Congress of American Indians Land and Natural Resources Committee.

Chairman Weeden, who also serves as First Vice President of NCAI, was invited to serve in the role for a term ending at NCAI’s 84th Annual Convention & Marketplace in 2027. In this leadership position, he will help guide committee discussions and support the work of advancing resolutions that inform and strengthen advocacy across Indian Country.

Chairman Weeden Calls for Action on Tribal Housing at National Convention

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Brian Weeden, who also serves as First Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians, provided opening remarks this week at the National American Indian Housing Council’s 52nd Annual Convention & Tradeshow in Anchorage, Alaska.

During his remarks, Chairman Weeden emphasized the urgent need for Congress to reauthorize and modernize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, known as NAHASDA. The legislation is a critical tool for Tribal Nations working to address housing needs in their communities through self-determined, locally driven solutions.

Chairman Brian Weeden Named Chairperson of Mashpee School Committee

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Brian Weeden has been named Chairperson of the Mashpee School Committee following the recent town election and committee reorganization.

Chairman Weeden, who has served on the School Committee since 2021, continues to bring a strong commitment to youth, education, cultural awareness, and community service to his role. His appointment as Chairperson is a meaningful moment for the Tribe and the Town of Mashpee, continuing the long history of Mashpee Wampanoag leadership in local government and education.

Dartmouth Indigenous Fly-In Program Open to High School Students

Indigenous high school students are encouraged to apply for Dartmouth College’s 2026 Indigenous Fly-In Program, an opportunity for rising high school seniors to visit Dartmouth’s campus and learn more about college life, admissions, financial aid, and Native student resources.

The program is open to rising high school seniors who currently live and attend high school in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. Students who identify as Indigenous, or who have demonstrated an interest in Indigenous communities and/or Dartmouth’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Department, are encouraged to apply.

Welcome Lawrence Michael Eldred Hendricks VI

Lawrence “Junie” Hendricks V and his wife, Jyzair Hart-Hendricks, welcomed a healthy baby boy, Lawrence Michael Eldred Hendricks VI, on April 16, 2026.

Lawrence VI is the grandson of Lawrence “Little Larry” Hendricks IV and Jody Santagate. He is the great-grandson of the late Lawrence “Big Larry” Hendricks III and the great-great-grandson of Francis “Sistah” Hendricks and the late Lawrence “Junie” Hendricks Jr.

Indigenous Youth Invited to Take Part in Ohketeau Talent Showcase

Indigenous youth are invited to register for the 4th Annual Ohketeau Indigenous Youth Talent Showcase, taking place Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Mashpee.

The showcase is open to Indigenous youth ages 5 to 25 and welcomes all talents and gifts, including art, jewelry, instruments, singing, dance, magic, poetry, multidisciplinary work, and anything that makes youth feel proud. All participating youth will receive a $200 stipend.

Scholarship Renewed Thanks for Donor Support

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Education Department would like to acknowledge and thank the individuals, families, and organizations whose generous contributions have supported scholarships for Tribal youth. As scholarship opportunities begin moving forward again through the Education/JOM Parent Committee, we take this time to honor those who have helped make these opportunities possible for our students and families.

Powwow Committee Accepting Bids for Dancer and Singer Food Service

The Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Committee is now accepting bid proposals for the 2026 Powwow Dancer and Singer Feed.

The selected contractor will prepare and serve dinner for dancers, singers, and volunteers on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meals should serve approximately 350 people and include a protein, vegetable, and starch or grain component, with traditional foods encouraged. The overall Powwow theme is Food Sovereignty.

Powwow Committee Accepting Bids for 2026 Trash Removal

The Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Committee is now accepting bid proposals for trash removal services during the 2026 Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow.

The selected contractor will be responsible for helping maintain the cleanliness of the Powwow grounds throughout the event, including collecting trash from barrels, vendors, Tribal buildings, campgrounds, and other areas of the grounds, and transporting it to onsite roll-off containers. The contractor must provide a minimum of three staff members, a utility vehicle, trash bags, and any tools needed to complete the work.

Rumble on the Rez Now Set for One Big Day on July 11

Community members are invited to come out for Rumble on the Rez 2026, now planned as a one-day event featuring two big community gatherings on Saturday, July 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hosted with pride by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Rumble on the Rez will bring together a live amateur boxing event and the Randy Peters Jr. Car Show for a full day of action, culture, community, and good times.

Apply Today for Utah Unây: TEK and Robotics Program

Applications are open now for Utah Unây: Understanding the World Around Us Through TEK and Robotics, a free two-day program taking place June 13–14 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This hands-on opportunity brings together Traditional Ecological Knowledge and sensor engineering, giving participants the chance to explore the environment in new ways while building their own environmental sensors. The program is free, and participants who complete it will receive a $100 stipend. Those interested are encouraged to apply today by scanning the QR code on the flyer. For more information, contact Grace Simpkins at gsimpkins@whoi.edu or 240-644-7751.

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