Nearly 66 years ago, in 1956, Chief Earl “Flying Eagle” Mills Sr. was declared Chief of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Known as Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Earl, or Chief, Earl succeeded Elmer Hendricks Sr. who held the position for about 8 years after the Chief’s uncle, Ellsworth “Drifting Goose” Oakley, resigned in 1948. During this time, and until the late 1960’s, Mashpee was predominately native and the town was governed by natives; but, there was a rapid change in ownership of Mashpee’s land since the incorporation of the town in 1870. As our ancestors experienced this change, the need for a strong traditional leader became apparent, to perpetuate and reinforce the existence of our people and culture. Ms. Mabel “Nokomis” Avant took the lead on circulating the necessary petition that would lead to Earl’s Appointment. The petition was directed to the traditional leadership and signed by 56 Mashpees representing the majority of the Mashpee Families.  The petition read, “To bring about an election of a chief in Mashpee. We have had no local chief for some time – so are this petition sign by Mashpee Indians – for the appointing of Mr. Earl Mills. We Consider him a necessary requisite to the further growth and interest of our people – if – We can persuade him that we need him.”

Earl had an older brother, that at the time, he thought, should be selected. But Earl showed much dedication to learning and practicing our ancestor’s traditional way of life. After his return from the military he began his journey of self-identity by speaking with and learning from his elders. Through our Conversation, Earl shared a memory of his time in the military, when fellow native soldiers started to dance traditionally. It gave Earl a sense of pride but also a sense of yearning to learn more about his heritage and culture. His devotion to this path lead him to a humble approach to leadership. Not only was he asked by his community to accept the role as Chief, he also became the President of the Old Indian Meeting House Authority, which was the center of social and ceremonial practices at that time. The elders and Mashpee families noticed the necessary attributes we needed in a leader, at that time, in Earl Mills, Sr. – Chief Flying Eagle.

By Talia Landry

Chief declaration 

Today, in 2022, Chief Flying Eagle continues to live his long life of education, leadership, and tradition. When asked about choosing a Chief, Chief Flying Eagle shares his insight.

Choosing a “Chief” (Sachem or Saunks) should be given great Attention! The Chief is accorded the highest rank of office and be of the greatest importance, significance or influence in the tribal organization.

Integrity of native traditions. soundness; firm adherence to a code of special moral and artistic values; in-corruptibility; the quality or state of being complete or undivided; completeness

Synonym: honesty, fairness and straight forward of conduct; adherence to the facts; sincerity.

*The tribal unit must by very well connected in that they should know one another; especially those that have made contributions; those involved in the varied and sundry activities of the tribe. For example, the use of tobacco, other herbal plants, salting/smoking food stuffs; the disposition of a Peacemaker; and those that make use of the ceremoniously- spiritual activities as part of his/her daily activities!

He/she must have the ‘wuneekun un-nan-tam’ the good mind! A good heart and a good mind – those are what you need to be a keh-che, or chief.

A chief according to Wampanoag tradition, must Never have wanted to be a chief. The mere fact of asking to be appointed or of even giving indication that one might be interested in the position of chief in the Wampanoag hierarchy would disqualify one’s candidacy for life. It would be, according to the Elders, a poor indication of character for a person to seek an exalted position. From such a disposition, they foretold, the people would expect only trouble!

*When an Indian gets caught between two worlds- the longhouse religion and Christianity – when they don’t follow either one or the other totally, but reaps the essence of living from each, this is paramount!

To sum up the qualities to look for in a chief, after pursuing the foregone narrative, especially the tribal unit (structure), according to tradition are:

1. Participatory knowledge of the spiritual culture

2. The disposition of a Peacemaker

3. Genuine feeling for the welfare of the elders and the children; and

4. A mind-set with a watchful eye and a loving heart to be focused on the natural world and the Seventh Generation!

ONE DOES NOT VOTE!! TRIBAL MEMBERS PETITION- MAJORITY

I have written, with much love and “heart felt feeling,” Earl Mills Sr., Sachem Ptoo-e-u Wamp-si-kuk (Chief Flying Eagle)