For the time being, the Mittark will be released online only. This is a cost saving strategy that the Tribe is implementing where physical copies will not be delivered to homes, but tribal members will still have access to the full Mittark online. The online Mittark is released on the 1st of each month on the tribal website.

Now that the Tribal Elders and General Membership have appointed 5 Commissioners to the Ethics Commission, The Tribal Council shall appoint the final two commissioners to serve. Tribal Council shall appoint one (1) commissioner to a 2-year term and one (1) commissioner to a 4-year term. 

Lets get to planting! Gardening plots are available for Tribal Members at the Community Garden at Maushop Farm located at 213 Sampsons Mill Road in Mashpee. You must provide your own seeds and tools, some starters may be available upon request. Plots are first come, first serve.

Last month we celebrated and honored the return of the Herring! Tribal Youth were taught about their cultural significance, how to harvest them responsibly, and learned about the smoking process and the rebuilt community Smoke House. Happy Herring Day!

The Youth Advisory Committee hosted their second Game Night for tribal youth last month. This April Vacation Game night was held outside where youth got to enjoy yard games, laser tag, and a game truck from Amazin Gamin Cape Cod.

The Tribe will be honored at the New Bedford Whaling Museum on Wednesday, June 11, with a reception beginning at 5:00pm. The event is free but RSVPs are requested. More information is available at masshumanities.org. 

Save the Date - The 104th Annual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow will take place from Friday,  July 4th - Sunday,  July 6th on Powwow Grounds. All are welcome to come and experience the culture and community of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

The tribal Education Department will provide students with an honorary tribal stole to wear during graduation ceremonies. Students must be enrolled members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and graduate from a qualified institution. 

Tribal member Tracy Kelley is on the ballot running for a seat on the Mashpee Select Board. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master’s degree in linguistics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Please click here to watch Tracy's Candidate Statement and learn more about her platform. 

The tribal LIHEAP program has ended, however the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance program may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills.  All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.

The second annual Honor the Earth Fair, hosted by the Native Land Conservancy and the Natural Resources Department, honored mother earth through exhibitors and vendors who share the mission to protect and preserve our ancestral homelands. 

Mashpee Wampanoag Language Department's Monthly Lesson:

This year the Falmouth Road Race will be run on Sunday, August 17 and once again tribal members are being offered a limited number of exclusive codes to enter the race without having to enter the lottery. While the access code enables you to register the race each runner will still need to pay the $107 registration fee.

All Our Relations: Art of the Wampanoag Nation is a compilation of works produced by emerging to well established Wampanoag artists who represent the cultural identity, creative expression, and resilience of a people who have made this their homeland for as many as 12,000 years. This show celebrates the endurance of the People of the First Light through authentic, contemporary art from tribal citizens with an artistic intellect informed by and deeply rooted in their Indigeneity.

Amelia Marcellino Poindexter, daughter of Gabrielle Poindexter and Edwivanet Naar, was recognized last month as the Wendys Player of the week for Girls Soccer. The dynamic left midfielder put away 4 goals versus Carrollton (3) & header from corner kick during her game against NW Whitfield. Congratulations Amelia!

The First Light Welcome Center, located at 1 O’Connell Way in East Taunton is now open 7 days a week from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The Welcome Center features 50 state-of-the-art slot machines, serving as a preview of what is to come once the First Light Casino’s full Class III casino opens. 

ICWA is hosting a Grief & Loss Support Group for youth ages 12-15 that will take place at the Community and Government Center beginning on May 1st. There is limited space, please sign up by calling Maria Turner, ICWA Director at 508-477-0208 ext. 144. 

Adult basketball Open Gym will take place on Thursdays starting on May 8th from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Community and Government Center. There is a $5 fee for non-tribal members, cash or PayPal.

There is a new Facilities Usage Policy for those interested in using the Community and Government Center facilities for their events.  All events and programs must be approved by the facilities Manager, Tribal Security, Tribal Police and Tribal Administration. Allow 48 hours after Facilities request for response/approval. All Departments and tribal members are allowed to book facilities during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 pm without charge.

The family of Ryan Hendricks are holding a Memorial Basketball Tournament on Saturday, June 21st and Sunday, June 22nd from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Community and Government Center. There is a $450 entry fee for teams.

There are currently 5 open seats for committee members to serve a four year term. If you are interested in serving on the Cybersecurity Planning Committee, please send a Letter of Interest to Secretary Landry at talia.landry@mwtribe-nsn.gov

What:  This is a fun speaking class for those who are brand new to immersion learning. Immersion means we learn to speak by using our Wôpanâak through a variety of activities and games. 

When: Mondays at 6:00-7:00 PM. Beginning on May 5th and concluding on June 23rd.