Connecting tribal members with the various services the Tribe, individual tribal members, and the surrounding community offer is often a major stumbling block. It was an obstacle that Councilman Domingo Tiexeira wanted to remove for tribal members looking to begin a career in the trades.

Councilman Tiexeira, a local 385 union foreman, sees an excellent opportunity for the Tribe in union trades. “Our people are smart, talented, and have a solid work ethic,” said Councilman Tiexeira. “We just needed to help make the right connections and give a nudge into the right programs. That’s all we had to do. They will do the rest and have a great career ahead of them.”

Working with Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe TERO Director Winona Pocknett, Workforce and Development Director Marnell Cash, Union Business Agent Victoria Pierreia of Local 385 Laborers Union, six tribal members were able to move up in the Union and additional 2 tribal members secured interviews in June.

Local 385 accepted Brice Hicks, Jr., John Hughes, and Christopher Hendricks membership as new journeymen. The Union also accepted Joseph Spinola, Christopher Morris, and Bryden Gibson apprenticeship applications. On June 14, Savior Gibson and Lawrence Hendricks will have interviews for the union apprenticeship program.

Tribal Member Yvonne Tobey has also launched a new program helping tribal members prepare for entrance into the Union. Building Pathways South has already helped several tribal members enter bona fide trade apprenticeship programs. You can learn more at buildingpathwayssouth.com.

Council Tiexeira encourages more tribal members to explore these opportunities. “It’s a great time for women and men to join the union, and the apprenticeship program does build a career,” said Councilman Tiexeira.

Tribal members interested should contact:

Councilman Teixiera: Domingo.Tiexeira@mwtribe-nsn.gov

TERO Director Pocknett: winona.pocknett@mwtribe-nsn.gov

Workforce & Development Director Cash: Marnell.cash@mwtribe-nsn.gov

Building Pathways South Yvonne Tobey: buildingpathways.south@gmail.com