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WAM EE PA P ut Mâ N m8 se H u ep O Vol. 11-18 h e S s e h A A

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Nov. 2018

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Chairman’s Column Raising Awareness and Support for Tribal Lands Chairman Cromwell was in Denver on before the General Assembly of the Tuesday, October 23 raising awareness organization on the topic, Protecting about the effect or a recent decision our Land; Land into Trust. by the U.S. Department of the Interior This speaking engagement that threatens the tribe’s reservation. comes just weeks before the Tribe A move that will mark the return to the goes to Washington, D.C. to host a Termination Era this country launched second “Mashpee Wampanoag Land against tribe from the 1940s through Sovereignty Walk and Rally,” on No- the 1960s. vember 14. The first walk and rally was “The termination era has been on October 6 in Mashpee. reintroduced. It’s a very horrifying situ- “It’s very important to talk Wunee keesuq Tribal family, ation that’s happening with my Tribe,” about the September 7 decision,” said Cromwell. Cromwell said. “How a negative deci- It’s hard to believe that we’re ap- But, despite that threat and its sion will hurt my Tribe’s ability to main- proaching the Thanksgiving holiday potential effect on the Tribe’s lands, tain our homelands.” season and we’re still fighting to retain Cromwell said our plans to expand With a packed auditorium of 1/10th of 1% of our ancestral home- education, healthcare, public safety Native leaders in attendance at NCAI land. Our ancestors gave the Pilgrims and economic development remain in Cromwell made sure the issue of the land to establish Plymouth Colony. place. securing the Tribe’s reservation lands Yet here we are. The Tribe that started Cromwell spoke on Tuesday, was front and center. Cromwell urged it all is once again forced to defend our October 23 at the 75th Annual meeting tribal nations to “stand with Mashpee” heritage - a legacy that nobody dis- of the National Congress of American and support the legislation put forward putes – against legal definitions. It’s a Indians (NCAI) in Denver. He spoke by William Keating, which would reaf scary proposition that will bring Indian Country back to the Termination Era of continued on page 9 the 1960s. What we’re facing is injustice, Tribe Plans Walk and Annual Fall Social on plain and simple. It’s injustice that feeds in the dark shadows of igno- Rally in DC for Nov 14 November 24 rance and we’re not going to stand by idly while this happens. So what are we On Saturday, November 24 the going to do? We’re going to expose it sounds of an intertribal social – to the light of our culture, heritage and complete with drumming, singing, the unity of our brothers and sisters round dancing and the hum of across this nation. good conversation – mixed with This isn’t just an attack on the smell of home cooked dishes our Tribe. It’s an attack on all Na- will fill the Mashpee Wampanoag tive Americans. I put the call out to Tribe Community and Government the tribes across the country at last The Mashpee Wampanoag Center as the Tribe will be hosting months meeting of the National Tribe will be staging a walk its annual fall social. The potluck Congress of American Indians. I asked in Washington DC to protest social will be held from 2:00 p.m. them to stand with Mashpee and they a recent federal government to 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium and responded unanimously with a vote at decision that could lead to the is open to all tribal citizens, family, the general assembly to unanimously loss of its sovereign reservation. friends and neighboring tribes. support our efforts. The Mashpee Wampanoag Land Councilwoman Winnie Our sovereign right to govern Sovereignty Walk and Rally will be Johnson-Graham who organized ourselves as a Tribal Nation ensures held on Wednesday, November 14 the social this year truly sees this as that we are able to keep with our an- at 10:00 a.m. and will go from the a community event. “There’s some- cient customs and traditions. Our National museum of the thing special about our fall continued on page 3 continued on page 9 continued on page 6 Nashauonk Mittark

New Events Youth Council Elect New Officers November 3 - 5:00 p.m. Granny Squannit Walk, MWTCGC November 11 – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Body Meeting, MWTCGC November 14 - 10:00 a.m. Mashpee Land Sovereignty Walk & Rally in DC, National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC November 17 - 11:00 a.m. Native American Thanks Giving, Old Indian Meeting House November 24 - 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Annual Fall Social, MWTCGC

Weekly Events On Sunday, October 14 the Mashpee Youth Council Member. Mondays – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wampanoag Youth Council elected a The Mashpee Wampanoag Finding My Medicine, 55 Acres (starts new slate of officers to lead the council Youth Council meetings are open to all July 19) over the upcoming year. At the an- Mashpee Wampanoag youth between Mondays – 11:00 a.m. nual elections, which were held at the the ages of 13 and 20 years old. In Crazy 8 Walking Club, MWTCGC Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Com- order to become a member of the munity and Government Center, tribal youth council, youth need to attend Mondays – 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Dancing Moon Yoga, MWTCGC youth elected Abigail Peters, Chairper- three consecutive meetings and then son; Iyano Fermino - Vice Chairper- be approved by seated youth council Tuesdays – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. son; Taylor Rose, Co-Secretary; Troy members. Elders Lunch & Learn, MWTCGC Stewart, Co-Secretary; Kobi Howerton, Congratulations to the newly Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Treasurer; Amiyah Peters, Female elected officers and to all of our youth Coed Volleyball, MWTCGC Representative; Ceasar Hendricks, that participated in the process and Wednesdays – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Male Representative; Jenaya Perry, to Ann Marie Askew and Robert Dias Tribal Health Yoga Classes with Yoga Youth Council Member; and DJ Peters, Tribal Council Liaisons. Neighborhood, MWTCGC Thursdays – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Finding My Medicine, 55 Acres Native American Thanks Donations to the Old Thursdays – 11:00 a.m. Crazy 8 Walking Club, MWTCGC Giving on November 17 Indian Meeting House Thursdays – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Elders Lunch & Learn, MWTCGC Tribal Citizens along with family Recently the Old Indian Meeting and friends from the community House committee received an Food Pantry Hours are invited to attend the 9th Annual anonymous donation in memory Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Native American Thanks Giving of the Frye family. Thank you to all on Saturday, November 17. The that made that donation possible. Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. annual event, which is coordinated It’s through donations, like Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by the Old Indian Meeting House the one that was received in mem- Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Committee, will open at 11:00 a.m. ory of the Frye family, that the Old Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Old Indian Meeting House Indian Meeting House Committee with an opening ceremony and are able to maintain the building Notices for Elders prayer. and grounds and coordinate the Meeting first Saturday of the month at The annual event is events that keep us all connected. the Community/Gov’t Center at 11. organized to bring the community As we approach year-end, together and to provide everyone please consider making a dona- All Elders in Need of assistance or a much-needed pause from their tion…your support is greatly appre- information please contact Joanne daily routine to reflect on all that ciated. Frye, Director of Elders Department, at we have to be thankful for. (508) 477-0208 Ext.140. Nashauonk Mittark

Tribe Sues Conservation Commission to Preserve Chairman’s Column Wetlands (continued)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is su- Commission unanimously denied rights as a sovereign nation are vital ing the town’s Conversation Commis- the building of a proposed one-lane to our criminal jurisdiction – our sion, claiming the commission did not bridge to the island in Popponesset Tribe’s police force will dissolve consider tribal aquaculture resources Bay after months of dispute between and our Tribal Court will no longer when issuing an order to the owners the island’s owners, conservationists exercise jurisdiction over criminal of Gooseberry Island identifying the and the tribe. The trust had previously cases. Most importantly, our youth types of wetlands in the area, accord- asked the town Zoning Board of Ap- will be immediately impacted. The ing to court documents. peals for permission to build a single- children that are flourishing in our The lawsuit, filed Oct. 5, alleges family home there but in October 2013, language immersion school and that an order of resource area delin- the board voted against the request, programs on Tribal land will no eation issued by the commission to citing concerns over access to the longer have a school to attend. Gooseberry Island Trust was based on home in case of fire or other emer- Think about that, our school will be “fundamentally flawed and inaccurate gency, prompting the request to build required to close its doors. information,” omitting two specific re- the bridge and the involvement of the This is what we’re fight- source areas: coastal dune and coastal Conservation Commission. ing for. This is what drives me day beach, or tidal flats. Along with the The tribe has been working and night to continue our fight to tribe, the suit names 17 tribe members with the town to propagate shellfish to preserve our land in trust. Without as plaintiffs. combat the longstanding water quality sovereign land, all of the things The tribe has used those problem facing the town’s estuaries I’ve mentioned will be threatened. resources, excluded in the commis- and lakes, and any development on I refuse to allow this administration sion’s order, for its shellfish grant, and Gooseberry Island could undermine to bring us back to the Termination has “fished, harvested and carried out that effort, Green said. Era. We have only one option and shellfishing aquaculture activities” in Because the tribe’s shellfish it’s to protect our sovereignty. those areas since time immemorial, hatchery is located next to Gooseberry Stand with Mashpee and the suit says. The tribe first obtained Island, “it is even more important” that thousands of tribal members, that shellfish grant license in 1977. the town and the tribe continue to pro- friends and neighbors across Turtle State regulations require that tect the health of its bays, said Jessie Island as we call on Congress to anyone seeking to build on or around “Little Doe” Baird, vice chairwoman of pass the Mashpee Wampanoag wetland areas must submit a plan the tribal council and one of the plain- Reservation Reaffirmation Act. This listing and delineating the types of tiffs in the suit. is the only way our culture, tradi- wetlands present on a piece of land, “Our bays and natural resourc- tions and future generations will be or receive a “negative determina- es are so important to the tribe that we protected. tion of applicability or a final order of will continue to protect this area, and conditions” from the state or the local all areas within our region whenever conservation commission, according we can,” she said. Kutâputunumuw; to the Massachusetts Department of Andrew McManus, conserva- Chairman Cedric Cromwell Environmental Protection’s website. tion agent with the commission, said Qaqeemasq (Running Bear) The tribe worries that the he doesn’t agree with the tribe’s claim owners of Gooseberry Island plan to the town erred in delineating the area’s build on the 3½-acre island at the end wetland resources, but acknowledges of Punkhorn Point Road, which it says their right to protect those resources. Walk in Flu Shots will negatively affect its shellfishing “They may be under the im- Available on resources. In the suit, the tribe is asking pression ... that those particular re- that the commission rescind its order. source areas aren’t going to be consid- Wednesdays “The whole town is going ered when it comes time to permitting The Mashpee Wampanoag Health to suffer if a house goes up on that for development,” he said. “But just Service Unit are offering walk in island,” George “Chuckie” Green, the because the applicant didn’t ask for flu shots every Wednesday during tribe’s director of natural resources. “If them doesn’t mean they don’t exist.” the month of November. Simply they were to put a septic system there, stop by the Health Service Unit I don’t see how that would serve the By Tanner Stening, Cape Cod Times any Wednesday during the month purpose that the oysters are serving between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to now.” receive your flu shot. In 2015, the Conservation Nashauonk Mittark

Warren, Markey Announce Release of Additional Fuel Assistance to Tribe for LIHEAP United States Senators Elizabeth War- “While this additional LIHEAP funding ren (D-Mass.) and Edward J. Markey will make a real difference for Massa- (D-Mass.) today announced the U.S. chusetts families who rely on federal Department of Health and Human aid to help cover their energy costs, Services’ (HHS) release of an additional more funding is needed for Massachu- $136,483,517 of Low Income Home setts and other states experiencing ex- Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) tremely cold weather. LIHEAP is a key funding to Massachusetts. This fund- part of ensuring the safety and well- ing, which includes $204,725 for the being of Massachusetts residents, and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, follows a we are committed to supporting and letter sent by Senators Warren, Mar- strengthening this important program.” key, and 38 of their Senate colleagues LIHEAP is the main fed- earlier this month calling on HHS to eral program that helps low-income release LIHEAP funds as quickly as households and seniors with their en- possible. ergy bills, providing critical assistance tee support the LIHEAP Emergency “Every family in our Common- during the cold winter and hot summer Contingency Fund in the next upcom- wealth should be able to heat their months. More information about LI- ing funding package, in order to allay homes and stay safe during the cold HEAP is available on the HHS website higher home heating costs incurred winter months,” said Senators War- here. Recently, the Senators requested after the Merrimack Valley natural gas ren and Markey in a joint statement. that the Appropriations Commit- disaster.

Election Notice to Enrolled Tribal Members The Tribal Election will The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA 02649 be held for six (6) seats Election Committee extends notice during regular business hours. All en- to all Enrolled Tribal Members who rolled and eligible Tribal members are of Tribal Council will turn 18 years of Age on or before allowed to register on or before the Member. Sunday, February 10, 2019, that they Election Day. are required to complete a Voter Reg- The results of the Election will Election Day: istration Form in order to vote at the be Posted at: 1) the Mashpee Wampa- Sunday, February 10, 2019 general election on Sunday, February noag Tribal Community & Government 10, 2019 (the “Election Day”). Center, 483 Great Neck Road South, Voting Hours: The Voter Registration form Mashpee, MA 02649; and 2) on the Enrolled, Registered-to-Vote Elders can be obtained at the Mashpee Wam- Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe official and Disabled Persons: panoag Tribal Community & Govern- website on Monday February 11, 2019. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ment Center, located at 483 Great Enrolled, Registered-to-Vote Elders, Disabled Persons and other Images from October 6 Land Sovereignty Walk & Rally Tribal Members: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Community & Government Center 483 Great Neck Road South Mashpee, MA 02649

Six (6) Tribal Council Seats: Tribal Council Member Nashauonk Mittark

Mashpee Planning Board Explores Construction of Attaquin Hotel and other Community Preservation Act Projects A rebuilt Attaquin Hotel, a restored Currently the structure is parsonage, and a basketball court at mostly boarded up, and is unsafe to Attaquin Park are among some of the walk inside. Animals are said to inhabit projects the Mashpee Planning Board the attic. discussed as future possibilities for If a proponent did come for- Community Preservation Act funds— ward with an application to the CPC, some of which may become reality state laws would mandate that the sooner rather than later. building remains open to the public for The board is responding to a a period of the time. The parsonage is request from Mashpee Community currently within the sovereign territory Preservation Committee chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Andrew R. Gottlieb to submit possible Mr. Weeden also advocated projects to be considered for funding for the restoration of a home formerly as the town considers putting an end strations, and that the hotel could be- owned by Walter Mingo on Great Neck to the program that has been a boon come a center in the village. “There’s a Road South, also one of the oldest for parks, open space, affordable hous- lot we could do with that property,” the homes in Mashpee. Walter Mingo ing and recreational projects through- planning board member said. was a selectman in town for several out the town and the state. The hotel burned down in the years, and a long line of prominent The Community Preservation 1950s, but town planner Evan R. Lehrer tribal members had lived in the house Act, or CPA, is a 3 percent surcharge said that the hotel is one of the town’s over the years as well. The house has tax that is collected in an account most architecturally significant build- been put on the market and could be overseen by the community preserva- ings. Several presidents came to stay purchased by someone outside of the tion committee and goes to projects at the hotel while fishing in Mashpee, tribe, Mr. Weeden said. that include recreation, open space, and it was also the town’s first post A third house that dates back historic preservation, and affordable office. Mr. Lehrer noted that the hotel to the 1800s is also under threat, Mr. housing. Town Meeting ultimately represents Mashpee when it first came Weeden said. The house is within the decides which projects will get fund- into the modern economy, and that Main Street Historic District on Route ing. Over the years, the town has used the site now does not do justice to its 130 and was formerly owned by the revenue from the account to fund historical significance. Potter family. He said that he hopes to pickleball courts on Ashumet Road, The board also voiced support use CPA money to restore it and put it a number of park upgrades, land for of a new basketball court at Attaquin under protection of the National Reg- open space and affordable housing Park. Over the summer, the town ister of Historic Places, and that the projects. moved the hoop out of the former lo- house could be rented as affordable The town can decide whether cation and away from traffic. The hoop housing. to end the program in 2020. was in the parking lot for the beach, Aside from historic properties, Planning board chairman Mary but the current location is accompa- the board also noted that a number E. Waygan said that the board has yet nied by dirt and grass rather than a of lands could be purchased for open to submit its report to the community hardtop court. space and be added to the Mashpee preservation committee, but will do so Board member David Weeden National Wildlife Refuge. in November and likely will advocate advocated for funding for a number of For affordable housing, the that the program continue beyond historic homes in Mashpee currently board did not list any specific projects, 2020. under threat. but Ms. Waygan noted that the town is On Wednesday last week, The parsonage, the yellow far behind its goal of 10 percent afford- board members spoke about projects dilapidated house on Route 130 across able housing. The board did agree that that they would like to see go forward from the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian funding for affordable housing should using CPA funds. Museum, was one mentioned. The continue and should be fully funded Board member Dennis H. parsonage was built in 1849 and is annually. Balzarini said that he would like to see one of the oldest structures in Mash- something happen at the old Attaquin pee. Over the years, Mashpee Baptist The community preservation Hotel site, even rebuilding the former ministers lived in the house, as well as committee is scheduled to meet on hotel. Mr. Balzarini hoped that the hotel Wampanoag tribe members with deep Thursday, November 8. could sponsor lectures, perhaps tribal roots in the community, including the members could host cooking demon- Attaquins. By SAM HOUGHTON, Enterprise Nashauonk Mittark

Inside The Archives: A Salute To Our Veterans The Revolution had come and the 13 almost all Wampanoags, went off to On November 11, Mashpee and the colonies were fighting for their inde- fight for that independence, with 13 rest of the nation will celebrate Veter- pendence from Great Britain. Wam- Wampanoags never returning, giving ans Day. panoag Isaac Wickham left his wetu the ultimate sacrifice for their new na- Inside the Archives building in the then-“incorporated district” of tion. across from town hall, members of Marshpee (this original spelling con- Sadly, after the war was over the historical commission and a newly taining the letter “r,” used until it was and independence from Great Brit- formed Community Park Monument changed by the state in 1870) to fight ain achieved, Mr. Wickham returned Committee will continue their research for the Americans. to Marshpee only to see the new to identify Mashpee veterans of all our At the time the “district” status American government not renew the nation’s wars. Our goal is to place the gave the Wampanoag of Marshpee “district” status and the Marshpee individual names of those veterans on a degree of autonomy and security Wampanoags lose their self-governing a new monument. under the laws of Massachusetts and rights. We will also continue the a chance to manage their own internal They were denied the rights of design established in the Veterans’ affairs. Mr. Wickham left, putting his life citizens, even to the extent that Wam- Garden of placing individual honor on the line for his new nation. panoag children could now be taken markers for all those who gave the ulti- He served in the War for Inde- from their families and indentured out mate sacrifice and who never returned pendence from 1780 to 1783. Wickham into the bonds of indentured servitude. to their hometown of Mashpee. was in one of the light infantry compa- So much for gratitude and honor for Added to the nine current nies under Major General Marquis de their sacrifice. individual monuments that range from Lafayette. Only two of the Wampanoag World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan He was with Maj. Gen. Lafay- Indians who served in the Revolution- will be the 13 Wampanoags who gave ette in 1781 when forces under General ary War received federal pensions. The their lives in winning America’s War of George Washington, and a French reason was that most Wampanoags Independence: Church Asher, Joseph army allied with him, had begun to who served did not often know about Asher, Deacon Moses Job, Elisha move from New York to Yorktown, Vir- the pension process nor about the Keeter, James Keeter, Joseph Keeter, ginia, to attack the British troops under necessary paperwork, often requiring Samuel Moses, Daniel Pocknet, Ho- General Lord Cornwallis. permanent addresses. Because Wam- sea Pocknet, Joshua Pocknet, Joshua Three weeks later, Gen. Wash- panoags often moved from summer Pocknet (two different Pocknets with ington reached Maj. Gen. Lafayette’s and winter locations, they did not have the same name), Job Rimmon and headquarters in Williamsburg, Virginia, permanent addresses. They also had Gideon Tumpum. where Mr. Wickham was stationed. the difficulty of gathering supporting At the end of September, the com- testimony of whites decades after the By RICHARD DESORGHER, Mashpee bined forces marched on Yorktown war had ended. Enterprise with more than 17,000 American and For these and other factors, French soldiers. even though the Wampanoag soldiers Mr. Wickham took part in the served and fought for our nation’s Fall Social (continued) siege of Yorktown and the surrender independence, they did not receive of Gen. Cornwallis on October 19, 1781, the pension rewards that most white social. You come in on a cool fall considered to be the final battle of the soldiers received. afternoon and can immediately feel war that led to independence. One of the two who did re- the warmth of our community,” said Mr. Wickham was one of many ceive a pension was Isaac Wickham. Winnie. “It’s at events like this that Wampanoags who played a role in When he applied for a pension in you’re reminded just how special it American independence during the 1818, Mr. Wickham was suffering from is to be Mashpee.” Revolutionary War. The Mashpee “chronic lameness” and was eking out In addition to the drum- Historical Commission, with the invalu- a humble subsistence in an “old house ming and food, the annual social able assistance of Wampanoag Tribal 10 by 14 feet, one story in height.” He provides space for local vendors Genealogist Rita Lopez, has been purchased a cow with his first pension to sell their crafts. If you are inter- researching that role in advance of a payment. In later years, Mr. Wickham ested in a vendor table, drumming planned war memorial, recognizing all testified on behalf of other pension or would just like more informa- Mashpee veterans of all our nation’s applicants and their widows. In time, tion, please contact Tribal Council- wars. he became the oldest living Mashpee woman Winnie Johnson-Graham at Research to date (and more is veteran. [email protected] needed) shows 57 men from Mashpee, or at (508) 645-8365. Nashauonk Mittark

Tribe Receive Support From National Indian Congress Health Connector’s Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Open Enrollment Starts Chairman Cedric Cromwell put the call November 1 out to the tribes across the country on Tuesday, October 23, in an effort to The Health Connector’s OPEN protect the tribe’s land and received ENROLLMENT starts November unanimous support from a national 1st –December 23rd 2018. This is tribal body. the time when you can choose to A motion proposed by Mr. renew or change health insurance Cromwell to the general assembly plans for 2019. In general, if you of the National Congress of Ameri- keep paying your monthly premi- can Indians on Tuesday received a ums, you can renew for 2019 into: unanimous positive vote. Mr. Cromwell asked for support on pending federal • Your current plan, if it is avail- legislation that would preserve and In his remarks, Mr. Cromwell noted the able in 2019, or protect the historic tribe’s reservation. irony that the tribe’s ancestors gave • A similar plan, if your current “Each and every one of you, the Pilgrims the land to establish Plym- plan is not available for 2019. as tribal leaders, truly understands the outh Colony and is now in the position challenges we are going through to- of having to defend its right to hold If you want to enroll in a different day,” Mr. Cromwell told the 75th annual onto just a small percentage of the plan, you can shop and change gathering of tribal leaders, who repre- tribe’s ancestral homeland. plans during OPEN ENROLLMENT sent the 573 federally recognized tribal Mr. Cromwell noted that be- and compare health plans online at nations across the country. “United we cause all federally-recognized tribes MAHealthconnnector.org/compare stand, and united we fall.” should be treated equally, “it’s a natu- plans or visit Tribal Health Office at “Indian country, I love you ral conclusion that federally recog- 508 477 0208 x166. and I hope you understand our situa- nized tribes should have trust lands.” tion,” the Mashpee chairman said. “I’m “I’m asking that you stand with calling on each and every one of you, Mashpee,” Mr. Cromwell said. please, to bring the message to your Standing with Mashpee, Mr. Ricky Hendricks Retires communities that we have a very seri- Cromwell said, translated into lining up ous threat attack happening here to support behind the Mashpee Wam- the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.” panoag Reservation Reaffirmation Act The US Department of the In- (HR 5244), which was filed in the US terior ruled in September that the tribe House of Representatives in March was not “under federal jurisdiction” in of this year. Passage of the act would 1934 and therefore that such jurisdic- permanently protect the tribe’s reser- tion was not a basis for maintaining the vation and put an end to legal chal- tribe’s 321-acre reservation. lenges. Following the decision, tribal Cromwell urged the as- attorneys filed a complaint in the sembled gathering to contact their Federal District Court for the District congressional representatives to urge of Columbia, challenging the Interior the bill be passed and also invited Department’s failure to take action tribal leaders to join a planned Mash- to preserve and protect the tribe’s pee Wampanoag Walk and Rally in the Myron “Ricky” Hendricks enjoyed his reservation as “arbitrary, capricious, nation’s capital slated for November 14 last day in the Tribe’s Department of and contrary” to the department’s own outside the US Capitol building. Public Works on September 21, which administrative decisions. Before leaving the podium, just happened to be his birthday. Ricky In 2015, the department de- Cromwell also asked NCAI President was the Maintenance Specialist in the clared the tribe’s land in Mashpee and Jefferson Keel for the group’s formal department. He is looking forward Taunton to be the tribe’s initial reserva- support for the tribe’s efforts to retain to spending more time with his wife tion. That decision was challenged in its reservation land through litigation. Robyn, daughter Meagan and Grand- separate litigation filed in Massachu- The request was voted on and passed. son Shayne. He’s also planning on setts by a group of landowners in East traveling more in his spare time. Thank Taunton. By SAM HOUGHTON, Mashpee Enter- you Ricky for you dedicated service to prise your tribe. Nashauonk Mittark

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and STEEP Superfund Home Rehabilitation Research Program presented a screening of the Lottery is Now Open documentary film The Devil We Know – Applications Due The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe January 31, 2019 and the STEEP Superfund Research Program presented a screening of the documentary film The Devil We Know on October 16. The screening was co-hosted by Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, Association for Pres- ervation of Cape Cod, and Barnstable Clean Water Coalition. The Devil We Know, by award- winning documentary filmmaker Stephanie Soechtig and featured at this year’s prestigious Sundance Film Festival, chronicles one of the biggest environmental scandals of our time. The Mashpee Wampanoag Hous- The film tells the story of a group of was a panel discussion with STEEP ing Department is pleased to citizens in West Virginia as they take researchers that gave the local com- announce it will once again run the on a powerful corporation following munity the opportunity to share their “Home Rehabilitation” Lottery. The the discovery that it had knowingly questions and concerns. lottery awards three homeown- dumped a class of toxic chemical STEEP (Sources, Transport, ers that are also members of a called PFASs into the drinking water Exposure and Effects of PFASs) is a federally recognized tribe that live supply. partnership of the University of Rhode within the Tribe’s service area up to These same chemicals have Island; Harvard T.H. Chan School of $15,000 to complete needed home also been found on Cape Cod. STEEP, Public Health, Department of Environ- repairs. Applications for the “Home a five-year research project launched mental Health; and Silent Spring Insti- Rehabilitation” Lottery are being last year, is focused on understanding tute. STEEP is funded by the National accepted now through Thursday, PFASs and the environmental and hu- Institute of Environmental Health Sci- January 31, 2019. man health impacts of these drinking ences, Superfund Research Program. A copy of the application water contaminants, including here on For more information, visit: web.uri. has been included with this edition Cape Cod. Following the film, there edu/steep of the Mittark or it can be completed online at www.mashpeewam- panoagtribe-nsn.gov/housing or by Granny Squannit Walk Now Recruiting for contacting the housing department at (508) 477-0208 ext. 104. Rescheduled AmeriCorps Program A complete list of application requirements, including HUD The annual Granny Squannit Walk The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe income guidelines can be found has been rescheduled for Saturday, AmeriCorps Program is currently with the application. November 3. seeking 10 motivated Native Ameri- The Mashpee Wampanoag The event will start at 5:00 can individuals 18-24 to serve the Tribe Housing Department is com- p.m. at the Powwow Grounds adja- Mashpee Wampanoag Community mitted to providing safe affordable cent to the Tribe’s Community and in full time (1,700 hours) service op- housing to eligible tribal members, Government Center with a spooky portunities. and other Native Americans who walk to 55 Acres at dusk to hear $6,095 education award. reside in the Tribe’s service area. It stories from Granny Squannit. Free training and professional de- is the Housing Department’s mis- There will also be food and velopment. Travel to FEMA disas- sion to provide housing assistance refreshments for all with pizza, hot- ters. and opportunities specific to the dogs, sandwiches, hot chocolate Contact Nelson Andrews Jr needs of the Native Americans and cookies on the menu. for the at (508) 477-5800 Ext. 13 or 15 or at living with The Wampanoag Com- kids. [email protected] munity. Nashauonk Mittark

Nuclear Energy Tribal Working Group Visit Mashpee Raising Awareness (continued)

firm their land. “Now is the chance for us to stand united. I’m calling on all of Indian Country to stand with us on November 14 in DC.” “We’re building awareness,” Cromwell said. “The answer is sovereignty. There is federal law for tribes, and Congress is responsible for enforcing those laws. So we’re simply asking them to do their jobs.”

12 different tribal nations from the missioning of the power plant and how Nuclear Energy Tribal Working Group this will impact our homelands.” Tribe Plans Walk in DC (NETWG), as well as reps from the NETWG is a chartered work- (continued) Department of Energy, Massachusetts ing group focused on engaging tribal Emergency Management Agency governments interested in the broad and the National Conference of State spectrum of Department Energy Legislatures spent two days touring nuclear energy activities. Nelson sees Mashpee and the surrounding service this as a vital group that can represent area last month. The group toured the tribal needs at the highest level. Plymouth Nuclear Power Plant and The mission of NETWG is to parts of the Tribe’s ancestral home- engage federally-recognized tribal lands in Mashpee during the two-day governments and their designated meeting. representatives in U.S. Department of The Mashpee Wampanoag Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy Tribe is a member of NETWG. Nelson (NE) activities. NETWG will serve as a Andrews Jr., emergency management conduit to foster communication, edu- department director, took the lead on cation of all generations, and promote facilitating the meeting. “The Pilgrim active involvement of tribal govern- Nuclear Power Station is within our ments. NETWG is dedicated to assist- American Indian to the U.S. Capitol service area and something we want ing in developing and maintaining the in Washington DC. to keep a very close eye on,” said An- government-to-government relation- This walk is on the heels of drews. “It’s particularly important that ship between DOE and Indian Tribes, a walk held last month that went we understand the short- and long- consistent with DOE’s American Indian through part of the Tribe’s ancestral term impacts of the planned decom- Policy. homeland in Mashpee.

If you go Health Connector WHAT: Mashpee Wampanoag The Health Connector’s OPEN Land Sovereignty Walk and Rally ENROLLMENT starts November 1st • A similar plan, if your current plan is not available for 2019. –December 23rd 2018. This is the WHEN: 10 a.m. Nov. 14 time when you can choose to renew If you want to enroll in a different or change health insurance plans for WHERE: National Museum of the 2019. In general, if you keep pay- plan, you can shop and change plans during OPEN ENROLLMENT American Indian to the U.S. Capitol ing your monthly premiums, you can in Washington, D.C. renew for 2019 into: and compare health plans online at MAHealthconnnector.org/compare plans or visit Tribal Health Office at STAY CONNECTED: facebook. • Your current plan, if it is avail- com/mwtribe able in 2019, or 508 477 0208 x166 WAM EE PA P ut Mâ N m8 se H u ep O h e S s e h A A Mashpee Wampanoag Housing Department A

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483 Great Neck Rd. South

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Phone (508) 477-0208 Fax 774-521-3547 T RIBE “Home Rehabilitation” Lottery is Open 3 SLOTS! UP TO $15,000.00 for each project

DROP OFF YOUR COMPLETED FORM AT THE MW HOUSING DEPARTMENT OR PLACE YOUR COMPLETED FORM IN THE HOUSING BOX LOCATED IN THE FOYER OF THE COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT CENTER

Lottery Form Due by Thursday, January 31, 2019, 4:30 PM

• Applicants must be a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe or a member of another Federally Recognized Tribe residing in the service area of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, which includes the following five (5) Massachusetts counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Plymouth, Norfolk, and Suffolk. • Applicants must meet all income and eligibility requirements of HUD and the Mashpee Wampanoag Housing Department. The family income cannot exceed 80% of the median income for the County. • Financial assistance cannot be provided if a family is paying over 50% of the gross income for mortgage. (subject to change) • All household members must provide a social security card and Tribal ID (if applicable). • All household members 18 and over must provide current income documentation and sign a release of information form authorizing the Housing Department to speak and obtain information from any source necessary for the purpose of providing assistance. • If you have received a different service within the last 24 (twenty-four) months, you are not eligible for additional services. • The subject property must be owned and occupied by the applicant. • The subject property must have a clear title, i.e. no liens or encumbrances. • The applicant must be current with the mortgage, homeowners insurance, and property taxes. • Once a preliminary approval is given, the Housing Department will schedule an inspection of all rehabilitation needs. • The maximum Rehabilitation funds available are up to $15,000 per household; and can only be given one time per home. • Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before any work is performed the structure must be tested by a licensed lead inspector. All work must be conducted by an EPA-or State- certified renovation firm and have at least one certified renovator to perform and/ or oversee the work. • All bids will be solicited by the Housing Department and the Director will make the final selection of the contractor. A firm-fixed contract is awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder whose bid is the lowest in price (conforming to all the material terms and conditions for the invitation to bid). Preference is given in the award of contracts to the qualified Indian organizations and Indian-owned economic enterprise. A bid which is not more than 10% higher than the lowest bid is given preference. • A contract will be signed between the homeowner, Director or Assistant Director of the Housing department and the contractor. • The contractor will only be paid after all work is completed and approved by all appropriate authorities. • A waiting list will be created for the current lottery, in the event someone chosen does not qualify or drops out.

Our Mission is to Encourage Self-determination and Economic Independence for All Tribal Members WAM EE PA P ut Mâ N m8 se H u ep O h e S s e h A A Mashpee Wampanoag Housing Department A

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483 Great Neck Rd. South

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Phone (508) 477-0208 Fax 774-521-3547 T RIBE

Income Guidelines

County Persons in Household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Barnstable 48,300 55,200 62,100 68,950 74,500 80,000 85,500 91,050 Bristol 39,300 44,900 50,500 56,100 60,600 65,100 69,600 74,100 Norfolk 56,800 64,900 73,000 81,100 87,600 94,100 100,600 107,100 Plymouth 56,800 64,900 73,000 81,100 87,600 94,100 100,600 107,100 Suffolk 56,800 64,900 73,000 81,100 87,600 94,100 100,600 107,100 Adjusted annually by HUD; these figures may adjust DURING this application process.

PLEASE PRINT -- Must be filled out completely to be considered for lottery

Name:

Contact Number:

Email:

Residence:

Mailing Address:

Tribal ID:

Date of Birth:

Approximate Annual Income:

Number of Household Members:

Rehabilitation funds will be used for homes that have safety, health and/or code violations.

Our Mission is to Encourage Self-determination and Economic Independence for All Tribal Members