October 2019 Mittark
Tribe Support Mass Gaming Commission Decision on Region C
On Thursday, September 12, 2019, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, by a vote of 3-1 issued their second public rejection of the project proposed by Massachusetts Gaming and Entertainment (MG&E), and its chairman Neil Bluhm. MG&E, a subsidiary of Bluhm’s Rush Street Gaming, had previously proposed a $677 million resort casino at the Brockton Fairgrounds, but was soundly rejected by the Commission in 2016 by a vote of 4-1. The Commission’s vote on Thursday effectively doubled down on its prior rejection of Bluhm’s proposal by dismissing MG&E’s demand for an automatic casino license contrary to existing law. The Commission confirmed that it had the authority to reconsider Bluhm’s project, but made it clear there are not “sufficient grounds” to grant any such reconsideration for Bluhm. In response to his second public rejection, Bluhm erupted to proclaim he was walking away from Brockton. “I can’t hang around. I’ve been doing this for more than five years”, spouted Bluhm.
Chairman Cedric Cromwell of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, who was quick to point out the irony in Bluhm’s frustration, states “With two flat out rejections of Neil Bluhm by the Commission the reality is pretty clear that Bluhm has not been honest with the people of Brockton and has no real ties to our Commonwealth. Steve Crosby, the former Chairman of the Commission had it right back in 2016 when he said Bluhm’s proposal for a casino in a school parking lot had “a downside of actually undercutting economic development rather than lifting economic development.”
Chairman's Column
Wunee keesuq Tribal family,
We are a strong, resilient and intelligent people. You can’t walk through our land, visit our homes or our Community and Government Center without seeing just how correct that statement is. We are strong. We are resilient. We are intelligent. These are facts that cannot be changed.
Yes, we have differences of opinion. That’s a sign of a healthy community.
David Weeden Elected as Mashpee Selectman
With 804 votes, David Weeden was elected to the Mashpee Board of Selectman to finish an 8-month term during a special election held on October 1. David brings much needed balance to the town board and is the first Mashpee Wampanoag to be elected since Chuckie Green held a seat from 2000-2009.
The unofficial special town election results that were released on October 1 are:
Michael Richardson - 571
Elana Doyle - 428
David Weeden - 804
Robert Bono - 70
Explore Additional News in this month's Nashauonk Mittark
Theatre Royal Plymouth, UK are looking for Wampanoag and other people from the Tribal Nations of Southern New England, who are interested in the historical events regarding the impact of the landing of the Mayflower in Wampanoag Territory, and to ensure their appropriate representation, as well as aspiring singers, dancers, musicians and actors from these communities. No experience is necessary and involvement will include an all-expenses paid trip to the UK in summer 2020 (June).
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Housing Department is currently accepting applications for waitlists for the following programs:
Rental Subsidy - Financial assistance provided for 24 months up to $300 per month.
Home Rehabilitation - Financial assistance will be provided for code violations, health, safety or threat of loss for up to $15,000.
First Light Wampanoag Homes Applications – Providing safe and affordable housing for low income individuals.
For more information, please contact the Housing Department at (508) 477-0208 Ext. 104.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe recently received a $40,000 grant from the First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colorado. This award will support the efforts of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Shellfish Farm Expansion Project.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Health Service Dental Clinic reopened last month under the new direction of Dr. Tempestt Evans. With the gap between Dr. Warrenn’s departure and Dr. Evans’ arrival the clinic had to temporarily close for a few weeks. The clinic is now open and scheduling appointments. Improving oral health in her community is a top priority for Dr. Evans.
Children in grades PreK – 6, in the Coombs and Quashnet Schools can now receive before school care. The service is sponsored by the Tribe’s Education Department. A parent letter and registration form are available in the Education Department.
The NYCP organized trip to the University of Minnesota that was originally scheduled for October 24-27 has been rescheduled to April vacation. If you have questions or would like to register for the college visit, please contact Cameron Greendeer or John Hanlon
On Monday, October 14 the Town of Mashpee will officially celebrate indigenous culture rather than an explorer whose name has become synonymous with the exploitation of natives. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on October 14 the town will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the 50th Anniversary of the Mashpee Historical Commission. The joint event will include tours of the town archives, the one-room schoolhouse a roundtable discussion and a cultural event in the Mashpee Community Park.
The Immersion School that provides our next generation of leaders with a solid educational foundation have made several new hires. Please join the Language Department and Immersion School in welcoming the new staff.
Nitana Greendeer is the new Head of School, or principal, for both our Mukayuhsak Weekuw primary classrooms and for our lower elementary classroom in the yurt.
SHINE counselors help seniors and disabled adults understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and other health insurance and related low income assistance programs. All information is kept strictly confidential.
There are several open positions at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. As of the date of publication the following positions are open. Please visit the Human Resource section of the Tribe’s website for complete position descriptions and details for applicants.
As we all know, it takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work to make our homecoming successful. We are soliciting respected members of the community to help with carrying out duties prior to, during and after the Powwow. Letters of interest can be sent to Cassie Jackson at cassie.jackson@mwtribe-nsn.gov or mailed to Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Powwow Committee, 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA 02649.
If you would like to be a part of the Tribal Historic Preservation Department team as a volunteer during the months of September – November, 2019 please contact the Department at 508-477-0208 ext 174. The hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10AM – 2PM. An informal training will be provided.
Each month vacant committee seats are posted. Volunteering on a Commission or a Committee is an important part of being involved and helping the tribal community. Everyone needs to be involved.
List of Committee and Board Seat Openings
As we all know, it takes a lot of time, dedication and hard work to make our homecoming successful. We are soliciting respected members of the community to help with carrying out duties prior to, during and after the Powwow. Letters of interest can be sent to Cassie Jackson at cassie.jackson@mwtribe-nsn.gov or mailed to Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Powwow Committee, 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA 02649.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe currently has two open seats on its Housing Commission. The Housing Commission is tasked with policy-level goals, determinations and policy review that guide the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Housing Department.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe currently has an open seat on its Enrollment Committee. One of the most important responsibilities of the Enrollment Committee is to review enrollment applications. Please visit the Tribal website at https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/enrollment to review the Enrollment Ordinance.