Town of Mashpee elections were held over the weekend, with Tribal Members running for seats on the Select Board and the Planning Board – key positions guiding the conservation of our land and water. Mashpee showed up at the polls, and both tribal members on the ballot were successful.

Our community gathered today at our sacred circle and raised a new chief of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. We respected our traditions; we welcomed the sunrise and provided space for all Mashpee Wampanoag to participate and have a voice. We did not cast votes or campaign. We listened, observed, and stood behind one person who will serve as the Chief of the Mashpee Wampanoag people. We are grateful that Earl “Chiefy” Mills Jr. has accepted his place in our circle as our new Chief.

Tribal Members are being urged to attend the Mashpee Town Meeting this evening (Monday, May 1) to support several petition articles (27, 36 & 37) that will protect our water – rivers, bays and estuaries that are on the brink of dying due to over development in the town. The meeting is held at the Mashpee High School at 6:30 PM.

Tribal operations will be closed for business on Thursday, April 6th, and declared a “Day of Mourning” out of respect for Sôtyum Vernon “Silent Drum” Lopez. Tribal offices will remain closed on Friday, April 7th.

Mashpee Wampanoag Chief Vernon “Silent Drum” Lopez, a proud veteran of World War II, died on Monday at the age of 100.