PRESS RELEASE
MASHPEE - The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe on Thursday became a federally recognized sovereign nation, a decision that marks the end of a 32-year effort to gain such status and the beginning of a new era for tribal members.
The tribe received word at 5 pm Thursday from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs reaffirming its March 2006 ruling that the tribe had met all seven criteria necessary to become a federally recognized tribe.
With this ruling, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe becomes the 564th tribe recognized by the federal government and the first to be recognized during the Bush Administration.
The Mashpee-based tribe is the second tribe recognized in Massachusetts. The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) on Martha's Vineyard was recognized 20 years ago. Today's positive finding for Mashpee officially takes effect in 90 days. "Without recognition and with economic pressures on the Cape, our tribe would have dissolved into the landscape," said Tribal Council Chairman Glenn Marshall. "Recognition as a sovereign nation has saved the tribe that met the Mayflower."
Indian tribes recognized as sovereign nations by the federal government have access to federal funds for benefits and services, such as housing, health care, children and elder services, education and environmental protection. The tribe also plans to identify land for the federal government to take into trust.
"I have been proud to be Chief of this tribe many times in our history, and today that pride is greater than ever," said Tribal Chief Vernon "Silent Drum" Lopez. "Our story has been told for generations, and today we add a new chapter. The history of our tribe could not be complete without our sovereignty, and today we can celebrate and move forward."
Nathaniel Philbrick, author of the acclaimed book "Mayflower," offered his congratulations to the tribe and said, "This is a truly historic occasion. As a resident of the Cape and Islands who has spent many years examining the events of the past, all I can say is, 'It's about time!' Congratulations to the Mashpee Wampanoag people."
Today signals the end of the comment and approval process sparked by the March 2006 federal preliminary approval. The Mashpee tribe first sought federal recognition in 1975, but the petition did not reach "active status" until October 2005, under a court ruling stipulating a final decision must be announced by March 31, 2007.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Indians' history dates back more than 5,000 years, according to archaeologists, who acknowledge an unbroken continuum of habitation from that time to the present day. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe met the Mayflower and aided the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving in 1621 after the terrible winter of 1620-1621. Once known as the South Sea Indians and later as the Praying Indians, the Mashpee nourished the Pilgrims, came to their aid and supplied them with much of the food for the first feast. In addition to a long history of contributions to the nation, members of the Mashpee Tribe have fought in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War and continue to serve our nation heroically to the present day.
(Published: February 15, 2007)Democratic Leaders Reaction
''I extend my congratulations to the Mashpee Wampanoag on the recognition they received today from the federal government. For a tribe that greeted the Pilgrims when they landed on the shores of Massachusetts, this recognition is long overdue. I look forward to working with the tribe to move Massachusetts forward.''
- Gov. Deval Patrick
''The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has been extremely patient, waiting over three decades for this moment, and I congratulate them on their federal recognition. I'm pleased that the tribe will now have access to a range of essential federal services including education, social services, housing and health benefits.''
- Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.
''Today's announcement from the United States government, a moment for which we have all waited so long and for which we have all worked so hard, is a milestone for the Tribe, our community and our nation. Let us reflect for a moment on what has happened today. Let's be clear. Aside from the legalisms - for anyone who reads history - the BIA decision does not confer tribal status. The decision confirms tribal status. The decision is a vindication of fundamental civil rights. It honors the memory of generations of tribal members. It embraces the common heritage of fellow citizens of Mashpee and towns throughout eastern Massachusetts.''
- U.S. Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass.''I'm very happy for them. I think it's good news for the tribe, and it's also good news for the Cape. They will be bringing a lot of services to Cape Cod that will benefit everyone and improve the overall quality of life for everyone.''
- Rep. Matthew Patrick,
D-Falmouth, whose district includes part of Mashpee
''Without the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Pilgrims would not have survived their first winter. This tribe is an invaluable part of the unique fabric that makes Massachusetts what it is today. The decision by the federal government to grant tribal recognition to the Mashpee Wampanoag corrects an injustice that has gone on far too long.''
- Sen. Therese Murray,
D-Plymouth
''It's historic, well deserved, and long overdue in my opinion. This is a tribe that greeted the people who came off the Mayflower. There is just no question that if anybody deserves recognition, it was the Wampanoag of Mashpee.''
- Sen. Robert O'Leary,
D-Barnstable
No comments:
Post a Comment