First Light Casino has been turning heads across the region with a new advertising campaign that does something rare in the gaming world: it has fun with itself while clearly defining what makes the property different in an increasingly crowded casino market in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In just a few short weeks, the campaign’s social videos have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, drawing widespread attention and sparking conversation well beyond Cape Cod.

As the only Native American–owned casino in the region, First Light Casino occupies a unique space — one rooted in Tribal values, hospitality, and community. The recent series of short, humorous videos highlights that difference by leaning into authenticity, self-awareness, and the idea that a Native casino experience should feel welcoming, clean, and comfortable — more like home.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Housing Department is seeking feedback from Tribal members and community stakeholders on the potential development of tiny homes on Tribal lands at the Mashpee Wampanoag Village. This effort is part of the Tribe’s ongoing work to address the housing crisis and expand affordable housing options for Tribal citizens.

The Housing Department has identified resources and developed a conceptual approach that could support one- and two-bedroom tiny home units for Tribal applicants in need. Before moving forward, the Department is asking the community to share perspectives, concerns, and priorities to help guide decision-making and ensure that any future housing development reflects Tribal values and community needs.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is currently seeking qualified applicants to help continue the important work of the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI).

With 2.5 years remaining in the grant period, the Tribe is hiring to ensure continuity, growth, and long-term impact of the program supporting Native educators in Massachusetts.

The Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI) is more than a workforce development program — it is a pathway toward education sovereignty, representation, and healing for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and our relatives in Aquinnah.

At a time when Indigenous teachers make up less than one percent of educators nationwide, NATRI is working to ensure Native voices are present in classrooms, school systems, and educational leadership — spaces where decisions about our children have too often been made without us.

Last month, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe joined Tribal Nations across the country in celebrating a historic and long-overdue milestone for our relatives, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, as they received federal recognition from the United States Government.

For more than a century, the Lumbee people have pursued recognition of their inherent sovereignty, identity, and right to self-governance. Federal recognition affirms a government-to-government relationship with the United States and restores access to critical tools and resources necessary to serve Tribal citizens and protect future generations.

Earlier this year, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) continued the important work of the Garden of Memories project — a community-centered effort to preserve, protect, and share the histories of Tribal members and ancestors.

Today, the Garden of Memories archive can be explored through digital kiosks located in the foyer of the Tribe’s Community and Government Center and at the Old Indian Meeting House, allowing community members to engage with photographs, records, and stories that reflect the lives, families, and experiences of Mashpee Wampanoag people across generations.

There are currently open positions at the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Health Service Unit, including a Nurse Practitioner opening. More details can be found below.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Youth Council is meeting regularly on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM with meetings being held both in person and via Zoom. The Youth Council is looking for more interested youth to join. The council is open to all tribal youth ages 13-21. For more information, please attend a Youth Council Meeting or contact Youth Council Liaison Secretary Landry at 508-419-5839 .

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe currently has a variety of employment opportunities available across departments and disciplines. Tribal members and community members are encouraged to visit the Human Resources page of the Tribe’s website for full job descriptions and application details.

The Mittark has always been a place for the Mashpee Wampanoag community to stay connected — by sharing news, celebrating milestones, and honoring the people who make our Tribe strong. We invite Tribal members and families to help keep that spirit alive by submitting stories, updates, and announcements to be included in future issues.

Whether it’s a family milestone, a child’s achievement, an elder you would like to recognize, or a community event you want others to know about, your stories help strengthen the bonds that connect us as a people.