| Now This section, "NOW", confirms that Wampanoag people are still here. Too often, classroom discussions about the Wampanoag center on the past, presenting lifestyles as if the people themselves no longer exist. Listen to the voices of contemporary Wampanoag people, as they dispel the myth, and present this important reality. |
 Mashpee Lives design: Carol Mills, Ojibway |
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| "My name is Maurice L. Foxx I am also known as Strong
Bear. I am a tribal member, Wampanoag Nation, Massachusetts. I am also Commissioner on
Indian Affairs. I've been working to come up with ideas that bring the people of the
native community and the people of Massachusetts to an awareness of the fact that native
people are still here. We've changed somewhat but we're still here." -- Maurice
L. Foxx Thank you Fruitlands Museum for sound clip. |
 Photo: Susan Margot Ecker |
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Photo: John Blanding/The Boston Globe |
"What every American Indian must learn to do is keep
both feet on shore, remain an Indian, but also understand the need to occasionally sail
into the white man's territory to survive." -- John Peters Slow Turtle |
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| "As Native Americans we've been rather quiet about our
identity until the late 1960s. We've always been self-sufficient; knew how to take care of
our families and how to use everything around us. Now, If you're going to survive as
Native Americans, you need to open your mouth and say 'I'm Here!'" -- Gladys
Widdiss |
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 Photo: Susan Margot Ecker |
"My name is Linda Coombs. I am a member of the
Aquinnah or Gay Head Wampanoag. I live in Mashpee because that is a Wampanoag community
and I have lived there for 20 years. A lot of times people think that being Indian is
something you do rather than something you are. I’ve had people ask me, 'So, how do
you like being an Indian?' Well, compared to what? I have never been anything else." --
Linda Coombs Thank you Fruitlands Museum for sound clip. |
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| Generations to Come | ||
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| "It still amazes me that people think we live in
teepees... (I think teachers should understand) that if there is one native kid in your
classroom, they can't represent a whole nation -- they are just one person's point of
view." -- Mishanagqus, age 16 |
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"I'm a Wampanoag because my ancestors were, and my Mom
is and my Grandfather is. What I'd like teachers and people to do is include more Indians
in history. They talk about it but they don't really get into it. I'd like them to know
that Indians were the first people here, that they were good people, they accepted the
Pilgrims and helped them out. Nowadays, they still help people a lot. They are still
caring." -- Eddie, age 13 |
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See Also:
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<< Survival | Origins >> |
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