Discussions For and With Massachusetts Native Peoples

A Reassessment for Our Times

Glad I Was So Wrong!

| 10 Comments

When I wrote the grant to fund Native Americans and the Social Contract: A Reassessment for Our Times, I optimistically estimated we would have 40-50 people participate in each event.

Boy was I ever wrong!

We had 61 people in attendance and 9 on-line via google meeting during our first event. There were Native and non-Native audience members, the very young, elders, middle aged, and young adults. I was surprised by the turnout (I guess social media promotion does work!) and how engaged everyone was with the topics discussed. From land loss, challenges in the preservation of communities via child welfare issues, to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, many people expressed their views during and after the event about how the consequences of the Earle Report and the subsequent Enfranchisement and Allotment Act impact their lives as Native Peoples in the 21st century.

Many also expressed hope that perhaps, as a result of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and this dialogue, that a different and better path might be made for the future.

Most people stayed for the entire event and, in the evaluation forms they turned in, unanimously agreed that they believed the money to fund the event had been well spent. They appreciated the efforts of Cheryll Holley, David White, Nicole Friederichs, Cedric Woods, Bette Toney, and Ellie Page. Many also noted their favorite part was the presentation by the Nipmuc youth, Keely Curliss and Nia Holley, both of whom shared with the audience their thoughts on a variety of issues, including land, sovereignty, recognition and the health of their communities. Several youth in the audience echoed Keely and Nia’s wish to be more connected with their Native communities and the difficulty growing up (and now) of being able to get to community gatherings and events. Finally, many expressed an interest in learning more about the history, law, and policies that impact them. In response, several professors in attendance offered to present to communities and open up their classes.

The passion with which the youth expressed their hopes for the future of their communities was infectious. Even after the event ended, people stuck around, and that’s saying a lot after two hours of presentation, questions, answers, and comments.

Much gratitude goes out to the Nipmuc communities for hosting this event in their territory, and the Pocasset Wampanoag for presenting as well.

I hope you are able to join us at one of our three remaining events.  The schedule is as follows:

Schedule #2

 

This project is generously sponsored by:

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10 Comments

  1. Working with our youth gives me hope for our future; so grateful to all who are investing in these efforts!

  2. I’m glad to see the meeting venues will be switched around to different areas. Without personal transportation, it is difficult traveling to areas outside of Metro-Boston. A question about the meeting at the North American Indian Center of Boston: the date March 11, 2015 which has passed or will it be March 11, 2016?

  3. very interested in your work. we support you! http://www.thecenterforlumbeestudies.org
    let me know if we can help.

    • Thanks cousin! glad to know you were able to take a look at what I am up to in the far north. I believe this would have some interest back home as well.

  4. It is not often that and IR person would agree that getting numbers wrong is a good thing! But this one sure does this time! Congratulations on a bad prediction!

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