Nashauonk Mittarktm © Copyright 2015 March 2015

Drum Beat IN THE NEWS DEPARTMENTS COMMUNITY

Chairman’s Column State Approves Environmental Report

n Friday, January 30 the Common- O wealth of Massachusetts approved the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Final EnvironmentalT Impact Report for Project First Light, another key milestone for the our plans to build a destination resort casino. “The Commonwealth’s approval is one more step forward for our proposed destination resort casino in Taunton,” Chairman Cedric Cromwell said. “This report not only represents the final step in the state’s envi- Dear Tribal Family, ronmental review process, it also affirms the significant economic benefits the project will The ballots have been cast. The votes bring to the region. The approval allows us to have been tallied. The people have spoken. accelerate the final design phase of the overall which was released last year. It also includes With 11 actively engaged candidates project.” changes recommended by state agencies to im- who ran spirited campaigns in the quest for six The tribe submitted the FEIR on Proj- prove traffic flow and protect the environment. Tribal Council seats in the election last month, ect First Light to the Executive Office of Energy The Bureau of Indian Affairs released I’d say we are all winners - in so far as the 553 and Environmental Affairs last month in accor- its Final Environmental Impact Statement on tribal citizens who voted had such an array of dance with the Massachusetts Environmental the tribe’s land in trust application in early choices. Policy Act (MEPA). September. The MEPA certificate will now be I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The analysis in the report includes submitted to federal officials as they prepare a while it is easy to complain and criticize, it can responses to comments submitted during the final decision on the tribe’s land in trust appli- be difficult to take on the actual challenges of public comment period on the draft report, cation. governing. And for that reason, a note of grati- (Continued on page 5) tude is in order for not just the winners but also for those who were not elected. If you haven’t already, I hope you will take a moment to welcome two newcomers to Tribe Beefs Up Support for Substance Abuse the Tribal Council: Robert Dias and Winona Pocknett. As the drug problem on Cape Cod continues Fiscal Year 2014. Tribal Council Vice Chair- Robert is an up-and-coming leader to intensify, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe woman Jessie (Little Doe) Baird said the and role model for our youth. As a father him- is seeking ways to provide added substance money will be available for use immediately, self, his passion for guiding young people with abuse treatment for those members who following a vote by the tribal council next the wisdom of the elders is an excellent addi- need it. month. tion to the Tribal Council. Tribal Members will vote on March “All of us are affected by this,” Vice Winona, mother of our 2010 Powwow 8 during the General Membership Meeting Chairwoman Baird said, calling the tribe’s Princess, is another dynamic young leader. to appropriate $250,000 toward funding ad- substance abuse issues a “microcosm” of Like Robert, Winona has a heart for our youth, ditional substance abuse treatment for its the larger drug problem facing the Cape. yet is grounded in the traditions of our elders. members. Hope Shwom, who is the tribal “We’ve all lost a parent, uncle, sibling, or Her commitment in working with the Tribal action plan coordinator, said the money will someone close to us over the years.” Council to establish a homeland for our people be used to defray the cost of detox and in- The $250,000 will address the im- that will create a space for self-determination is patient rehabilitation programs members mediate needs facing the tribe, Hope said. something we can all get behind. would otherwise have to pay for out-of- That includes funding to send members to I sincerely look forward to working pocket. detox programs and to residential treatment with Robert and Winona as we embark on The move to appropriate the sur- at the Partridge House, a long-term treat- what will be a momentous year for us, as our plus funds comes after budget cuts forced ment facility on the Akwesasne Reservation land-into-trust application moves closer to an the Indian Health Service to reduce its sub- in upstate New York. official decision. stance abuse services for tribe members for “They’re a part of the community Yet, even as I congratulate the win-

(Continued on page 3) (Continued on page 4) DRUM BEAT Events Calendar New Events March 8 – 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. General Body Meeting and Budget Vote, MWTCGC March 12 – 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free Hearing Test for Elders, MWTCGC Tribal Announcements March 21 – 6:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Mashpee Wampanoag Ball, Sea Crest »» Billie Red Dove Mills, 24, graduated from the University of North Beach Hotel, Falmouth Carolina at Pembroke on December 13, 2014, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. March 22 – 3:00 p.m. Billie is currently working as an Account Representative and Loan Harlem Rockets vs MWT Dream Team Specialist for Mariner Finance LLC in Lumberton, North Carolina. She is Basketball Game, MWTCGC also mother to an amazing 16-month-old boy named Forest. Long-term March 26 – 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. goals include moving up in the field of business finance and eventually Wôpanâak Language Charter breaking out and starting a business of her own. School Forum, MWTCGC »» Ryan Dauphinais just won the Impact Athlete Honors award and is one of two that gets to go to Australia for nine days followed by three days Weekly Events in Hawaii to represent Massachusetts in a football conference. Ryan is a junior at Barnstable High School where he rushed for over 1,000 yards Mondays – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and four touchdowns this season. His achievements are the result of his Youth Boys Basketball, MWTCGC commitment to his team and his ‘extreme power to find the open holes Tuesdays – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and breaking out of a lot of tackles. Ryan is the son of Mika Miranda and Elders Lunch & Learn, MWTCGC the grandson of Rita Pocknett Gonsalves. Tuesdays – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Coed Volleyball, MWTCGC Wednesdays – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Youth Attend UNITY Conference in DC & 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tribal Health Yoga with Virginia and Native American and Alaskan youth of all On the second day Tribal Youth Coun- Kimma, MWTCGC ages joined together in round table discus- cil (YC) Chairwoman and YC Female Repre- Wednesdays – 5:30 p.m. sions, ice breakers, networking, motiva- sentative Danna Jackson; YC Co-Secretary Enrollment Committee, MWTCGC tional games and confidence boosters while Autumn Jackson; YC Co-Secretary Chenoa advisors branched off to attend activities of Peters; YC Treasurer Ciara Jackson; YC Male Wednesdays – 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. their own. The youth spoke about topics that Representative Attaquin Weeden; UNITY Tribal Health Zumba with Shirley, relate to them directly, including Generation Male Co-President Brian Weeden and 2014 MWTCGC Indigenous, an initiative recently launched MWT Powwow Princess and UNITY Ex- Thursdays – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. by President Obama to combat barriers that ecutive Vice Chairwoman Sassamin Weeden Elders Lunch & Learn, MWTCGC native youth face to help them succeed. visited Capitol Hill with several issues in mind to express to our State Senates. The Thursdays – 5:30 p.m. youth met with Senator Elizabeth Warren, Recovery Group, Old Indian Meeting Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Bill Ke- House ating and Congressman Joe Kennedy and Fridays – 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. confidently discussed issues of drug abuse Tribal Health Zumba with Shirley, in their community and ways to conquer the MWTCGC issue. The youth also expressed the idea of Monthly – 6:00 p.m. Congressman Joe Kennedy with member of allowing the Wampanoag language to be a Housing Commission, MWTCGC, Youth Council, Secretary Marie Stone and credited course to all native students. It is held the first Thursday and third Chairman Cedric Cromwell Monday of each month. Monthly – 6:00 p.m. Chief’s Circle, Old Indian Meeting House It is held the first Tuesday of the month. Monthly – 5:30 p.m. Public Safety Commission, MWTCGC, It is held the third Thursday of the month. Youth Council Chairwoman Danna Jackson with Senator Elizabeth Warren

2. DRUM BEAT DRUM BEAT Tribe to Host Chairman’s Column (continued)

Conservation Forum ners - Winnie Johnson-Graham, Robert Dias, tion to securing land into trust, there are a Winona Pocknett, Yvonne Avant, Carlton number of important immediate issues we The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will Hendricks Jr, and Cheryl Frye-Cromwell need to tackle, not the least of which is pass- host a section of the Southeastern Mas- – I also want to extend my thanks and ap- ing the proposed Tribal Council budget. sachusetts Regional Conservation Forum preciation to Aaron Tobey Jr., Robyn Tobey That’s why I hope you will take the time on March 11 at the Mashpee Wampano- Stamps, Danielle Hill, and especially to in- to read though this month’s Mittark as it ag Tribe Community and Government cumbent council members, Laura Miranda covers several important facets with regards Center. and Patricia “Trish” Keliinui. to tribal finances. The section held at the Tribe I single out Trish and Laura be- There is a story on funds we are will focus on the restoration and manage- cause, as incumbents, I have had the privi- proposing to allocate for substance abuse ment of pine barrens. Two of the largest lege of working alongside them on the treatment, news about a $619,000 Affordable remaining pine barrens in the world are Tribal Council. I understand well the pas- Housing Grant we received, as well as an right here in Massachusetts--one at Myles sion and commitment they brought to the overview of our Tribal Gaming Authority. Standish State Forest in Plymouth, Carver job. Whether we agreed on everything isn’t Last but not least, I urge everyone and Wareham and the other inside and the point. I respect each of them for their to attend our March 8 General Membership bordering the Massachusetts Military service – Trish for her steadfast work in co- Meeting where will take up and vote on the Reservation in Bourne and Sandwich. ordinating our community relations efforts; proposed budget. Chuckie Green, the Tribe’s natu- and Laura, whose strong positions served to ral resources assistant director will be one clarify the views of the general membership Kutâputunumuw; of the presenters. Several county, state and helped to refine the focus of the Tribal and federal officials as well as representa- Council’s goals and aims. Cedric Cromwell tives from several organizations will par- Now, as we look ahead, in addi- Qaqeemasq (Running Bear) ticipate in the forum. During the section, they will focuse on fire science and land management and include a field trip to the pine barrens in Mashpee led by the North At- Sponsor the Powwow Open Basketball for lantic Fire Science Exchange (NAFSE) and he Powwow Committee has gotten Youth Boys the Forest Guild Northeast Region. T a jump on raising funds to organize During the field trip, Green will and promote this year’s powwow. Tribal Council Member Carlton Hen- speak about the Tribe’s efforts to preserve TheT committee is now accepting sponsorships dricks, Jr. is hosting open basketball for the pine barrens as an ecological habitat. of all levels and will continue to accept them boys between 5th and 8th grade on Mon- “There had not been a fire on the South through mid June. This will be our 94th An- days from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The games Mashpee Pine Barrens in over 50 years,” nual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow and is are fun and open to all. Bring your boys said Green. “So when we went in with being held July 3 to July 5 at the Barnstable down for a game or contact Carlos at our partners and safely conducted a County Fair Grounds. The annual powwow [email protected] for more in- prescribed burn, we were able to return draws thousands of visitors from the Cape formation. to our traditional ways of maintaining a and across the country and provides great vis- productive, healthy ecosystem.” ibility for a wide range of businesses. The other section of the forum As in past years, the powwow com- will be held at the Massachusetts Mari- mittee has five levels of sponsorship that time Academy in Buzzards Bay. There, range from $2,500 to less than $500. Sponsors topics will include invasive plant con- of the powwow are recognized in the event trol, the Conservation Assessment and program and handed to visitors at the admis- Prioritization System (CAPS), initiatives sions booth. If you would more information for key sites in the state and off-road ve- about being a sponsor, please contact Cassie hicles (ORVs) and conservation areas. Jackson at (508) 477-0208 x162 or at cjackson@ Mary Griffin, the state Department of mwtribe.com. Fish & Game commissioner is scheduled to speak. 2 Open Seats on Housing Commission

The Housing Commission currently has service area. It is the Housing Department’s two open seats and is searching for a new mission to provide housing assistance and committee members to assist with the opportunities specific to our needs. Tribal Housing Department. The mission of the Members interested in serving on the Hous- Mashpee Wampanoag Housing Depart- ing Commission should send a letter of in- ment is to provide safe affordable hous- terest to Housing Director Deirdre Lopes at ing to eligible tribal members, and other [email protected] by April 15, 2015. Native Americans who reside in the Tribe’s

3. IN THE NEWS Language Program Looks Ahead to Charter School fter learning from the successes of an update on their progress and to recruit stu- grades 2 through 5 could be a 50/50 split and A other language immersion schools dents. They will meet with parents in other then grades 6 through 8 could be 25 percent across the country, representatives of school districts over the coming months to Wopanaak and 75 percent English, similar to theT Wopanaak Language Reclamation Project spread the word further. the Mandarin charter school. are in the midst of drafting a second bid for a Jennifer said the group has narrowed Ms. Weston said the Wampanoag charter school. its focus to recruiting students in Barnstable reclamation project originally intended for the Massachusetts Department of El- County instead of from the 39 school districts school to be taught through 90 percent of the ementary and Secondary Education denied in Barnstable, Bristol, Duke’s and Plymouth traditional language. a bid for the Weetumuw Wopanaak Charter counties they hoped to recruit from last year. The Pioneer Valley Mandarin school School last year in the second round of the That approach might have confused the state, opened in 2007 and currently enrolls almost three-round process. No new charter schools Ms. Weston said. 400 students in grades K-10 from nearly 30 were approved last year in Massachusetts, And while last year the group’s ap- communities in the region, the school’s web- but advocates for the Wampanoag school are plication was geared toward almost strictly site reads. The school plans to add grades 11 hopeful that Governor Charles D. Baker Jr., teaching the Wampanoag language, this year’s and 12 for 2016. who has expressed support for removing last thought is to scale back to ease the state’s con- Members of the Mashpee reclama- year’s cap on charter schools, will give his cerns on students’ standardized testing re- tion project are discussing opening their support. sults. school with students from kindergarten The reclamation project representa- The reclamation project “is pres- through grades 3 or possibly grade 4. They tives hope to draw on the successes of other ently writing and piloting a Wampanoag and plan on adding an additional grade each year immersion schools in the state, such as the Common Core standards-based curriculum up to grade 8. Jennifer said they might apply Pioneer Valley Mandarin Immersion Charter in order to prepare our future teachers and for kindergarten through grade 8 to remove School in Hadley, as well as similar schools paraprofessionals to deliver classroom man- that future application process, but continue across the country founded by Blackfeet, agement and instruction in Wopanaak,” a new to accept only kindergarten through grade 3 Cherokee, Mohawk, Native Hawaiian, Nava- project overview reads. or 4 students in its first year. jo, Yupik and other communities. After research at the Pioneer Val- The group is currently looking for a If accepted, the school would open in ley school, which teaches students Mandarin location or building to house the school, not August 2016. Chinese, Jennifer said the group considered necessarily in Mashpee. Jennifer said they Jennifer Weston, language depart- scaling back the intensity of its language im- have looked in Woods Hole and other areas of ment director and Judi Urquhart, business and mersion mission. She said that they are think- Falmouth, as well as in Bourne. Judi said that development manager for the project, hosted a ing that for students in kindergarten through they are looking for an “angel investor” for the meeting for parents Wednesday night, Febru- 1st grade, 75 percent of the lessons could be school or property. Donations can be made on- ary 18, at the Mashpee Public Library to give in Wopanaak and 25 percent in English, while line at www.wlrp.org.

Support for Substance Abuse (continued) Free Hearing Test on

there,” Vice Chairwoman Baird said of March 12 residents at Partridge House. “If the tribe is having a social, they’re a part of that social. It feels like being home.” However, the tribe is also looking at long-term solutions to tackling substance abuse, including running its own sober and transitional housing and a rehabilitation facility to better assist members with depen- dency issues. These services ideally would provide members with a step-by-step pro- they feel are most needed. Community cess for integrating back into life after treat- outreach meetings, which are open to the Free hearing tests by Mass Audiology will ment while still managing their sobriety. public, are held the first Monday of every be held in the Craft Room at the Mashpee “Some people coming out of treat- month from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Com- Wampanoag Tribe Community and Gov- ment are looking for jobs,” Baird said. munity and Government Center on Great ernment Center on March 12 from 10:00 “Some people need to get a license. They Neck Road South. She said the Tribe’s first AM to 2:30 PM for elders 55 years of age need help adjusting to daily life again.” priority is to set up sober housing, after or older. To sign up or for more informa- “The bottom line is people are which it may look into setting up and staff- tion, please contact Nutritionist Program going to come home [to the Tribe] again, ing transitional housing and an in-patient Director Donald Peters at (508) 477-0208 and if they’re going to do that, they need rehabilitation center. x 117. better services,” she added. Vice Chairwoman Baird said she Hope Shwom said the tribe’s hopes the tribal council will continue to community outreach team is meeting with earmark money for substance abuse treat- members to get input as to what services ment in the budget moving forward.

4. IN THE NEWS IN THE NEWS Principles of Peacemaking (Continued from February) he Principles below are a continua- up. Once the process is underway, however heard and understood, where their needs and T tion of the “Principles of Peacemak- the fear generated from the anxiety is trans- ideas will be respected, and where they can ing” written by Douglas Noll. The formed into the fear of discovery, which cre- safely do the difficult work of reconciling their PrinciplesT examine other aspects and the tech- ates a certain excitement in people. differences. This is a primary value difference niques of Peacemaking. What it is and what 5. Peacemaking is a refuge – a safe between peacemaking and other forms of con- it does when in practice. Tribal Court hopes haven from the incivility and outright nasti- flict resolution. The peacemaker takes on the you enjoy reading about these Principles and ness of conflict. Conflict can be nasty and obligation of protecting everyone, seeing that that it will give you a better understanding brutal. Very few people enjoy the emotions all are given equally high respect and dignity, of Peacemaking and what it can offer for our involved by conflict situations. The Peace- that all may fully express themselves or not as Tribe as an alternative to Tribal Court. making process creates an environment of they wish, all in a place where there will be no 4. Peacemaking techniques are cre- safety and security where the conflict issues personal attacks, insults or other emotional or ative, exploratory, and filled with risk, fear, can be dealt with carefully and respectfully. physical violence of any sort. and excitement of discovery. Peacemaking is a 6. The peacemaker is charged with the fearful undertaking because no one, not even sacred duty of creating a refuge where people Principles of Peacemaking is part of a series the peacemaker, knows where people will end from different backgrounds know they will be submitted monthly by our Peacemakers.

Granny Squannit: Tales from the Blizzard Environmental

Our indigenous oral and written stories by snow whipping across Cape Cod that he Report (continued) Native American people are closely asso- built. ciated with inspiring traditions, which in- These swift actions are the leading The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe clude encouraging mythical creatures that reasons why the January blizzard arrived. is proposing to build a casino, with hotels, have enriching tribal identity and some- Maushop is no joke and there are restaurants, shops, and an events center times celebrated with ceremony and dance. many stories. It is noted that an unknown on a 151-acre site in Taunton. The Tribe is As a Mashpee Wampanoag I be- enemy conquered him on the mainland now waiting for the final piece - a deci- lieve in our millennia old traditional folk- where we live and drove him to the west- sion by the Department of the Interior to lore because they have meaning, power, ern point of Aquinnah on Martha’s Vine- place the land into trust on behalf of the and historical value. yard, where he lived comfortably for a tribe. Remember last week’s historical while with his wife Squannit and family. The construction phase of the blizzard? Who can forget? It has been reported that they have twelve project will generate over 1,000 jobs and Charles Orloff, executive direc- daughters. stimulate approximately $837 million in tor of the Blue Hill Observatory and Sci- Maushop was not afraid to travel total economic activity in Massachusetts. ence Center mentions that the “moisture and go on a mission. He wanted to save Once completed, the resort’s operation is effect” pushed inland by the north wind a papoose that had been carried off by expected to generate more than 3,500 full making for heavier snowfall. What he may the devil; he filled his pipe with tobacco and part-time jobs as well as nearly $512 not know is that Moshop the Giant and his and puffed so hard that the fogs, which million in economic activity each year. wife Squannit, the Sea-woman, continue to wrapped around the area later turning The Mashpee tribe is known move about in the Atlantic ocean, streams, into ashes. This is what formed Nantucket. as the “People of the First Light,” hence rivers and they also come along with the I recall that during the January Historical the project’s name. “The tribe has both wind and snow in a massive way, believe Blizzard, Nantucket was in total darkness a strong and long tradition of natural it or not! Why, because they are legend- and had a measureable amount of snow. I resource conservation, which is also re- ary and continue to mischievous despite was told that Moshop and Squannit had a flected in the project planning. Since the the fact they will shake up Mother Nature. squabble and the heavens opened, the Sun- environmental review process began, the These mythological figures of names were Spirit was not awake that’s why Nantucket tribe has continued to refine the project’s raising a ruckus long before Europeans was in darkness. design to avoid and minimize various im- came to our shores. Not only did my grandmother pacts to the city,” said Chairman Crom- According to Moshup the Giant, Mabel L. Avant (Nakoomis) continue the well. who is responsible for unpredictable forces traditional stories, Moushop also told his The tribe has worked with city of nature, and many years ago was chief share. of Taunton and state officials on an on- of the whales where he would stand on Still today Moushop and his wife going basis to improve traffic flow in the large stones to catch a whale and other fish Squannit are sending messages that there area, including proposed improvements by the tail and with his mighty arm with are more storms coming as he continues to the Route 24/140 interchange and has one swing he would fling them across Mo- smoking his long pipe. successfully developed a comprehensive shop’s Devil’s Bridge (located on Aqui- plan that works for everyone. nnah/Gayhead) down into a cauldron Note: In my research Cultural Hero where a fire was always kept smoking. To Moshop has been recorded and spelled several restock the fire, he pulled up large trees and different ways, for example Moshup, Maushop threw some in a cauldron and many sailed and Maushope. through the air bringing up the wind and

5. DEPARTMENTS Celebrating WLRP’s Workbook Graduates Charter School uhk8tamwuhtyâeenum Nitana Hicks guage students – and students from evening Forum on March 26 K Greendeer awarded certificates of language classes – follow in your footsteps! congratulations to her students who Kutâputunumuw for setting a great example Learn about local opportunities for el- recently completed the entire series of WLRP for the community. ementary education in the Wôpanâak language workbooks over a five year pe- For a list of all Wôpanâôt8âôk (Wam- language! The Wôpanâak Language Rec- riod: Wunee Anuhkôs8ôk! Neewuchee pâka- panoag Language) classes offered in Mashpee, lamation Project and Weetumuw Wô- chuhteôw wamee Wôpanâôt8âôkanee wôpa- Boston, etc., visit www.wlrp.org. panâak Charter School founding trust- nusuhqahôkanee katnuhtôhtakamuqash. ees are opening a year-round language The first class of language students immersion school beginning in August to attend and complete the full workbook se- 2016. The proposed school will enroll ries for tribal community members includes Kindergarteners (and possibly students Siobhan Brown, Leslie Jonas, Judith Sanford- up to grades 3-4), expanding by one grade Harris, and Maria Wilkins—all Mashpee annually to serve K-8 students. This Wampanoag tribal citizens. These committed monthly information session with WWCS language students persevered through Boston organizers will include opportunities evening traffic, Skype sessions, and advanced for parents to commit to enrolling their grammar homework year after year. Great job, children, establish a parent committee, ladies! WLRP’s community instructors hope and contribute expertise to the WWCS to see some of the new tribal employee lan- culture- and language-based curriculum, as well as the chance to review a sample school day schedule and lesson plans. For more information and additional upcom- Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Receives ing community language forums visit www.wlrp.org/events.html or call Jenni- Affordable Housing Grant from Feds fer Weston at (508) 477-0208 ext. 168. The U.S. Department of Housing and Ur- housing units under management by the Wôpanâak Language Charter ban Development is handing out more than tribe or designated entity. School Forum $650 million in grants to 586 Native Ameri- The grants are intended to be used Thursday, March 26 can tribes in 34 states across the country, and for affordable housing. 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will receive Mashpee Wampanoag Community and nearly $619,000. The Aquinnah Wampanoag Government Center, Language tribe will also receive just over $462,000. Classroom Indian Housing Block Grant funds 483 Great Neck Road South primarily benefit low-income families living Mashpee, MA 02649 on Indian reservations or in other American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The amount of each grant is based on a formula that considers local needs and

Developing Overall Good Mental Health hat is good mental health and why is »» Meditation / Relaxation call PumukQien Collins at ext 2562 or Nadine W it so important? Good mental health »» Art and Creativity Phillips-Smart at ext 6965. is your overall psychological/emo- »» Spend time with family friends Always remember – it’s important to tional state of mind. It’s how you ‘feel’ and »» Volunteer or do something to help take care of your Mind~Body~Spirit. You can ‘think’ about yourself, how you manage your others. do it through simple steps that can be prac- personal relationships, and how you deal »» Set Realistic Goals ticed all year long! with emotional and distressing difficulties. It »» Laughing doesn’t mean that you won’t have bad days or »» Participate in Spiritual-Religious- feel sad – it means that you manage life events Cultural Gatherings and difficulties as best as you can, using good coping skills and building resiliency. Increasing your overall good mental Here are some simple steps that health takes time and practice. Some changes you can take to increase good overall mental are easier to make than others, but it is worth health… the efforts! To discuss your mental health needs, please contact the Mashpee Wampa- »» Eating healthy noag Health Service Unit at (508) 477-6967 »» Sleep and speak with a Clinical Therapist for con- »» Exercise sultation or on-going support. Or you may 6. DEPARTMENTS COMMUNITY Gaming Authority: Developing and Managing our Casino he Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Gam- in this case the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, invested close to $99 million in the prepara- T ing Authority (MWTGA) is respon- sets up a business enterprise to keep personal tion of the casino. The amount spent and our sible for the development and man- assets like our Community and Government current progress on the project has placed us agement of our gaming operations, including Center separate and not liable for the busi- in a good financial position since our competi- project First Light Resort Casino. The Tribe ness’s debt. That’s why the Tribe and Tribal tors in the State have spent significantly more setup the MWTGA as an instrumental tool to Members are not responsible for any loans as- on preparation of their casinos. Also, since this organize and manage gaming activities and to sociated with project First Light Casino. debt will be paid back from Casino/Resort protect Tribal Members and Tribal assets. We are in the final stages of secur- assets only, if we do not open a casino/resort The MWTGA is different from the ing our Land in Trust and are now prepared we will not have to pay back the debt (The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Gaming Commis- to break ground on a $500 million dollar des- MWTGA would essentially be disbanded). sion. The Gaming Commission is responsible tination resort casino as soon as our land is The Genting Group would be forced to write for ensuring our casino is compliant with reg- taken into trust. The proposed budget being off the entire amount of debt to zero unless we ulatory requirements, including the National voted on at the March 8, 2015 General Mem- are able to salvage any value of the project as- Indian Gaming Commission regulations. The bership meeting includes over $300 million in sets. Commission will also be responsible for in- loans that will be tapped into as soon as we The MWTGA is currently comprised teracting with the State and ensuring proper are able to break ground. Additional funding of Cedric Cromwell, President; Robert Hen- licensing of employees and games. to bridge the gap between funds needed to dricks, Sr. Treasurer; Yvonne Avant, Secretary; The MWTGA was setup as a sepa- break ground and to complete the $500 million Charles Foster, Board Member; Marie Stone, rate business enterprise that is responsible for dollar project will be borrowed from either the Interim Board Member; and Melissa Hill, Proj- all loans associated with the project. It’s very Genting Group or third parties, whoever of- ect Associate. If you have any questions about similar to a business owner setting up a Lim- fers the best terms. the MWTGA, please contact Project Associate ited Liability Corporation (LLC). The owner, The Gaming Authority has currently Melissa Hill at [email protected].

Tribal Council Election Results Harlem Rockets to he Ballots were tallied for the Tribal Trish got 239 votes; Aaron received 222; Robyn Perform on March 22 T Council Election held on Sunday, received 190; and Danielle received 161. February 8 and two challengers and Incoming council member Robert fourT incumbents came out on top. The 553 Dias, a Mashpee Department of Public Works The Harlem Rockets, a comedy basketball tribal members that came out to vote set a new supervisor and Mashpee resident, said that his team, will play the Mashpee Wampanoag record turnout for a non-officer election. top priority is to keep the youth educated and Dream Team on Sunday, March 22 at the Incumbents Winnie Johnson-Gra- on the right path, “as they will be the future of Community and Government Center at ham, Yvonne Avant, Carlton H. Hendricks Jr., our tribe.” 3:00 PM. The fun, family event is sure to and Cheryl Frye-Cromwell were reelected to Another newly elected member, Wi- bring cheers and laughs to all. Our Elders the council; challengers Robert Dias and Wi- nona Pocknett, said that she chose to run to are hosting the event. nona Pocknett also gained seats. Incumbents help her tribe. “I love my tribe and would love Tickets are $10 for adults and Laura E. Miranda and Patricia (Trish) Keliinui to keep the traditions and the culture alive,” $5 for students if purchased in advance were beat out by three and nine votes respec- she said. She said that when the children of at the front desk at the Community and tively. Also running for election were Aaron the tribe are older and the current leaders are Government Center. Tickets will also be Tobey Jr., Robyn Tobey Stamps and Danielle gone, the children should know how to keep available at the door for $12 and $7 for Hill. the traditions alive. students. Tickets are discounted to $5 in “I want to first thank all tribal citi- advance and at the door for elders. zens who voted in this important election,” Winnie Johnson-Graham 280 To help cover the costs associat- Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council chair- Robert Dias 266 ed with this fundraising event, elders are man Cedric Cromwell said. “I also want to ex- Winona Pocknett 266 looking for sponsors. There are a variety tend my congratulations to the winners. I look Yvonne Avant 262 of sponsor levels from $1,000 to less than forward to working with each of them as we Carlton Hendricks Jr. 257 $500. embark on a critical year for the future of our Cheryl Frye-Cromwell 248 Tribal Councilors Carlos Hen- tribe.” Laura Tobey Miranda 245 dricks and Robert Dias are organizing 25 Winnie received the most votes with Patricia “Trish” Keliinui 239 to 30 basketball players for the Mashpee 280; Robert and Winona each received 266 Aaron Tobey 222 Wampanoag Dream Team. If you are in- votes; Yvonne received 262; Carlton received Robyn Tobey Stamps 190 terested in playing on the team, please 257; and Cheryl received 248. Danielle Hill 161 contact Carlos or Robert at chendricks@ “I would be remiss if I didn’t also mwtribe.com or [email protected]. thank the candidates who ran but were not All proceeds from the event will elected,” Chairman Cromwell said. “I thank benefit elder services. For more informa- them for sharing their views and for their tion or to sponsor the event, please con- willingness to step up and make their voices tact Joanne Frye or Latoya Green at (508) heard.” 477-0208 x182. Laura received a total of 245 votes; 7. Stay informed of Tribal updates and notices facebook.com/mwtribe COMMUNITY 19th Annual Wampanoag Ball: Celebrating Our Circle of Life he 19th Annual Wampanoag Ball will In addition to being a celebration, T be held on Saturday, March 21. Once the Ball provides needed funds to a select pro- again the Ball will be held at the Sea gram or service. With great consideration, the CrestT Beach Resort Hotel in Falmouth. The Ball Committee has decided that this year’s doors will open at 6:00 PM and the Ball will proceeds will directly benefit the construction go on from 6:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Undoubt- of a playground to be built near our Commu- edly the Ball has become an occasion within nity and Government Center. The intent of our Tribe to come together with family, friends dedicating funds toward a Tribal playground and neighboring tribes in the spirit of Com- is for our young ones to have a safe and secure munity and Unity. area outside our new, state-of-the-art building In addition to opening drumming to enjoy being a youth. and the presentation of awards, DJ Robert Pe- If you would like to make a direct Budget Vote March 8 ters and a performance by Live Band Chops donation towards the construction of the play- will provide entertainment. Tickets for the ground, please send a check to the Mashpee A vote on the proposed 2015 Annual Bud- Ball may be purchased at Puritan Clothing in Wampanoag Tribe attention Ball Committee get will be held at the Sunday, March 8 Mashpee and at the Community and Govern- at 483 Great Neck Road, South, Mashpee, MA General Membership meeting at 2:00 PM. ment Center. Tickets are $30 and discounted to 02649 or contact Wampanoag Ball Commit- Copies of the budget along $20 for elders. tee Chairwoman Suzette Spinola at (508) 360- with an overview from Chairman Cedric Thanks to a handful of dedicated 2578. Cromwell were mailed to all Tribal Mem- Tribal Members who created this annual event bers in February. A review of the annual almost two decades ago, we have true com- budget was held on Sunday, February munity event. With this in mind and carrying 22 where Treasurer Robert Hendricks on this tradition the Mashpee Wampanoag provided a detailed presentation and an- Ball Committee selected this year’s theme – swered questions from Tribal Members. “Celebrating Our Circle of Life.”