Our Tribe, the People of the First Light, is angered and saddened by the public lynching of George Floyd. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has and will continue to vehemently denounce racism! Systemic racism faced by all people of color across the United States has become all too familiar.

We face it every day we step out of our home to live the lives our creator intended. We must stand together to demand justice and work together to turn our pain into purpose. We must be true allies, standing shoulder to shoulder, asking the tough questions of those in a position of leadership.

To that end, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe stands in solidarity with the Black community as they yet again are subjected to pain and suffering at the hands of a racist and unjust system. The horrifying cell phone footage of Floyd’s death has rightfully outraged Americans and Native Americans across the country. It’s clear that ALL of the officers responsible for his death need to be held accountable for their action and lack of action to the fullest extent of the law. We also need real legislative reform to take place. Legislative action that will make the killing of an unarmed citizen, by law enforcement, a federal offense. These are actions that our Tribe will be fighting for.

Systemic injustice and inequality calls for systemic change immediately. We must change the direction of this Country and the World. We must stand together and unite in the face of organized injustice.

We are calling on all people from every persuasion, of every color, to unite under a common anthem “We must abolish racism now!”

We are calling on all legislators to hear this anthem and take immediate action to reform our laws and protect the people of color in the communities they serve.

In remembering the powerful words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

The Mashpee Wampanoag Nation sends love, prayers of strength and God’s grace, glory and love to the family and friends of George Floyd.

kutâpatôtamawunumun