April Mittark
Tribe Signs Benefits Agreement with Vineyard Offshore
A Tribal Benefits Agreement has been signed between the tribe and Vineyard Offshore; The agreement is aimed at promoting a comprehensive, long-term relationship, that highlights collaboration between Vineyard Offshore and the Tribe to ensure coordinated development and shared benefits. This is a historic agreement between an offshore wind company and a federally recognized tribe here in the northeast. The Tribal Benefit Agreement was formally ratified by Tribal Council on February 14, 2024 through resolution 2024-RES-008.
According to Chairman Weeden, this is an opportunity for the tribe to be heard in discussions surrounding renewable energy.
“This is an opportunity to make sure that not only do we have a seat at the table but also to make sure we work together to protect our Mother Earth and future generations. As a sovereign nation, we face the same challenges that so many nations face across the world with global warming, climate change, and much more. We stand committed to this administration's efforts for renewable energy, and this agreement is essential to doing that work collectively, nation to nation.”
Through this collaboration, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Offshore Wind Community Fund has also been established. This fund will support various initiatives including scholarships, wastewater projects, language reclamation, workforce training, and importantly, tribal capacity to engage with offshore wind projects.
Tribal Council Meetings Return on Zoom
Last month, Tribal Council approved 2024-RES-024, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Virtual Meetings Policy and Procedures. The intent of the policy is to guide the tribe when conducting virtual Tribal Council Meetings. Now that these policies have been approved, Tribal Council Meetings will resume being held both on Zoom and in person.
Tribal council meeting links will now be accessible via the tribal Member Portal only, which is located on the tribe’s website. Tribal members who want to enter the member portal must first make an account. Once that is done, they will have unrestricted access to the portal and will be able to see the Zoom link for council meetings. The member portal also serves as an archive that holds approved meeting minutes and resolutions.
Community members from the Hawai’i Community College visited our territory last month and tribal members were able to participate in a cultural exchange. A small gathering was held in honor of their arrival to Mashpee where eastern social songs were led by tribal member Darrel Wixon, and the Hawaiian visitors also held a gifting of song and dance and presented offerings to tribal members. While in Mashpee, the group visited the Museum where they learned about Wampanoag history and culture from Clan Mother Marlene Lopez. They also visited the Old Indian Meetinghouse where David Weeden spoke about Mashpee’s history. Both our tribal members and our guests also took part in a sunrise ceremony.
Explore Additional News in this month's Nashauonk Mittark
List of Committee and Board Seat Openings
