400 years ago, my ancestors were faced with a decision that indelibly shaped our world. In November of 1620 they chose to help the fledgling settlers of the Mayflower. They chose empathy over hate, mercy over revenge and inclusion over isolation. While the history that followed for our people was not just, the decision that they made was rooted in the values Native Americans continue to hold true.

Today, we are once again faced with a decision that will shape the world that we live in. It’s a decision that will either strengthen our aboriginal rights as the original inhabitants of this land or cripple the sovereign tribal nations across Turtle Island. The systematic decimation of native land rights and basic essential services for tribal nations over the past four years has been nothing short of detestable.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has started the EPA procurement process and will be advertising for an architect and engineer for a new community center. The facility is being developed by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Housing Department and will be located in the First Light Wampanoag Homes development at 23 Alice Lopez Road.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Food Pantry, located at the Community and Government Center, has announced new hours. The Food Pantry will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Noon to 4:00 p.m.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is seeking Preliminary Price Proposals from qualified Engineering Firms to provide Engineer Services associated with design and construction of sanitation facilities for residential onsite wastewater treatment systems meeting Title V requirements for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. These sites are to be constructed within the tribe’s Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA). The PRCDA for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is specific to the following Counties in the State of Massachusetts; Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk Counties. The residential onsite wastewater treatment facilities are to be constructed using funds received through the Indian Health Service Housing Program. All Engineering Services will be subject to Davis Bacon requirements. The Tribe is Tax Exempt.

Where there once was just forest off Meetinghouse Road, there are now new homes that are providing sorely needed affordable housing for members of the Tribe. The 58-acre neighborhood of First Light Wampanoag Homes Development, welcomed its first residents last month. And with additional homes in the neighborhood nearing completion, many other tribal members will soon be coming home.

The Massachusetts Department of Public health (MDPH) has launched a Covid-19 Community Impact Survey. Tribal members ages 14 and over in the state of Massachusetts can take the survey.

To take the survey, please visit mass.gov/COVIDsurvey or scan the QR code.

Mason Hendricks and Ariel Lemieux of Wareham are proud to announce the virth of their baby girl Giavanna Francis Hendricks. Giavanna was born on August 28, 2020 weighting 8.1 lbs. Giavanna is the granddaughter of Lawrence M. "Little Larry" Hendricks Sr and Jody Santagate of Wareham. She is the great granddaughter of the late Lawrence E. "Big Larry" Hendricks III and the great great granddaughter of Francis Hendricks.

As Covid-19 cut down on all of our trick-or-treat and Halloween party plans, the GroovaLottos would like to share a little treat with you. Download your free copy of “Seven Little Ghosts” today at mailchi.mp/90bda9c52592/7-little-ghosts.

The GroovaLottos are a multi- Grammy nominated powerhouse soul-funk-blues band led by tribal members Mwalim Daphunkee Professor and child prodigy percussionist and MC, The ZYG 808.

Wednesday October 21, 2020 CDC has revised the definition of “Close Contact” of someone with Covid-19. The agency now defines this as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. Previously, the agency defined "close contact" as someone who spent 15 minutes or more within six feet of someone who was infectious. Close contacts are those who are tracked down during contact tracing and are recommended to quarantine. The expanded definition comes as the agency released a new study describing how a correctional officer in Vermont appeared to have been infected with the coronavirus after multiple brief encounters with six incarcerated individuals with Covid-19.

As we begin to plan for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, CDC has offered the following considerations to help keep our friends, families, and communities safe during COVID-19. If you host a holiday celebration, keep it small. If you are considering travel, be aware of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order . If you participate in a celebration, follow public health guidance.

Outreach continues for our OVC Victim Services/Needs Assessment. This is a short-survey and an important requirement for our GRANT, so please participate and encourage all Tribal adults to do the same. Names are optional. Anonymous is fine. Some have been distributed by postal mail, visitation and with Food Pantry Pickups. Simply return completed surveys by postal mail or to the OVC/DropBox located in the ENTRY at Govt Center. Phone calls are welcome also to complete the Survey verbally and confidentially.

Tribal members, the United States Post Service is now hiring at local locations on Cape Cod. A postcard was mailed to local residents. Please visit usps.com/careers or contact your local Post Office for more information.