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.

Tribal citizens and community members are encouraged to attend the events. The archives will be open on that day from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the public to view the maps, framed photos and other collection of Mashpee and Wampanoag history. Also, the one-room schoolhouse will be open for tours from 11:00 AM to Noon. A roundtable discussion with past and present members of the Mashpee Historical Commission will take place from Noon to 1:00 PM. And to close out the events Brian Weeden has organized a cultural event that will take place in Mashpee Community Park.

The official celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is the result of a petition that was brought forward by Brian Weeden at the May 2019 Town Meeting. The voters of Mashpee overwhelmingly supported the petition to join a growing list of cities and towns that have made the change from celebrating Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

For more information about the events, please contact Ann Graham at agraham@mashpeema.gov or at (508) 539-1438.