September 2021 Mittark
Community Development Corporation to Host Meeting on September 14
The Mashpee Wampanoag Community Development Corporation has designated September 14th for the
Shareholder Representative meeting at 5:30 pm at the Community and Government Center, dependent on
COVID-19 guidelines. As stated in MWT-ORD-007 Section 3(h).
The tribal council acts as the shareholder Representatives of the tribe, who is the sole shareholder of the corporation.
The MOU for authority of the Shellfish farm is presently on the Tribal Council Table for discussion and vote. The CDC has been in conversation with MWT Natural Resource Commission to mediate the best solutions of management. As well as, continuing work with the Harvard Graduate Students in developing a successful plan to develop the business initiatives for the shellfish farm.
CDC along with Self Reliance Corp and Clerk of the Works reviewing solar energy site plan
The Board is also moving forward with the solar energy project initiated. The plans to have lifted panels at Maushop Farm are coming closer to fruition as ongoing planning meetings between the solar vendor, the Town of Mashpee and Eversouce are in the final phases.
The project for the future of solar panels at the Community and Government Center is still underway and in process, there will be “whole tree” solar canopy carp-ports installed on the property. The housing units at First Light Homes are in the planning phases of being outfitted with roof-top solar panels as well. The homes were initially built facing in the direction of the South in order to best suit the panels.
In August, The CDC President Talia Landry and Vice President Nelson Andrews Jr conducted tours of the future solar project with potential contractors on a walkthrough of the housing site. Also on the tour was our contractor Megan Amsler, owner of Self Reliance Corp. and Clerk of the Works Miles Peters.
The potential of the solar panels on the homes are pending, as the net metering of the system and MA electric laws have caused hurdles. A hopeful aspect of this process is the recent approval of net metering for the tribe through the MA Department of Public Utilities.
Keep an eye out for our community outreach efforts and continuous updates of our ongoing projects. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to any board members with any questions regarding the CDC.
Everything natural is hurting. We see it all around us. We see it in the water and in the land, and in our tribal community. I say our community because our tribal structure is natural. It’s natural for us to come together around our circle to talk, listen and learn. It’s natural for us to share our homes, food, and knowledge. To not have that is unnatural. For our people to move forward, a traditional element needs to be present in all that we do.
It took a young man to remind me how important it is for our traditions to be visible and accessible. A few months ago, as I sat around our talking circle, this young man said, we have youth with no family. We can talk about violence, drugs, and alcohol, but that’s a symptom and not the root of the issue. This young man opened my eyes with just a few words.
How can any of our tribal members be without family? That’s unnatural as we are all that person’s family. That is what makes us Mashpee Wampanoag.
We needed to come together in a good way that’s not political. So, our Clan Mothers began to sit at Mashpee Pond. We would do our crafts, observe and be visible. Never judging the music or activities going on. Just there to be present. To be a consistent fixture in their lives.
Since then, we have started to host a potluck each Friday evening at the pond. We’re still doing this. Food is welcome at the potluck, but only your presence is required. We always have plenty of food.
We’ve been doing this for months, and I’ve seen a positive change in our tribal community. I’ve seen a move toward the traditions that are natural for our people. We’ve had our drummers down at the pond. When they came, the other music was turned down, and everyone naturally moved toward the drum. I’ve seen mothers sharing knowledge, guidance, and discipline with every child…discipline that is love in a different form.
The other day a young man came up and gave me a hug at the pond. It was an emotional hug with a message that could only be shared through an embrace. I was so glad I was present to receive it.
It’s only through coming together that we can understand our traditional values and the connection that we share with all around us. I invite you to share either at the pond or during our talking circle on Sundays at 10:30 AM at our ceremonial grounds. We need to continue to put all that is negative behind us and move forward in our traditional way.
With Love and Respect,
Marlene Lopez, Rabbit Clan Mother
Great Career Opportunities at the Tribe
Tribal Administrator
Department: Tribal Operations
Salary: $80,000 to $110,000
Tribal Comptroller
Department: Tribal Operations
Salary: $80,000 to $108,000
ICWA Director
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Status: Full-time Exempt with benefits
Housing COVID Administrator
Salary: $32,760.00 to $41,860.00
Status: Full Time/Temporary
Human Resources Manager
Department: Tribal Operations
Salary: $75,000 to $90,000
Staff Accountant I
Department: Finance
Salary: $54,300 - $65,610 Annual
Executive Admin Assistant
Reports to: Tribal Council
Salary: $54,300 - $65,610 Annual
Housing Bookkeeper
Salary: $32,760.00 to $45,000.00
Status: Full Time
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