The Tribe seemed to be locked in a continuous state of mourning this fall with the deaths of its own Greatest Generation Elders. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has a storied history of leadership championed by members with unique personalities and strengths that would embolden the tribe during the most difficult times in its history.
Like her brothers, Anne was a frequent visitor to the White House. Reminding many that the Mashpee Wampanoag are alive and well.
Anne Peters Brown ” Talking Star” The youngest of the “Peters Gang” nick-named the ” The Nowheres Crew” (because they lived on the far west end of Route 130), passed away in Mashpee on October 8, at her daughters home. She was 88. Anne was a college educated scholar, prolific writer, and storyteller of the unique lifestyle of the people of the Old Indian Town of Mashpee. She was a proud Mashpee Wampanoag and told everyone who would listen as she traveled the world. The first Native woman to ascend to the Mashpee postmaster position in New England. Anne, a beloved tribal member, would also establish a successful beauty supply business in Hawaii and the Far East. Guided by their father Steven’s example, she and her siblings would contribute substantially to the tribal framework that would ensure the survival and growth of the Mashpee Wampanoag.
Many were saddened by Christine’s death.
Christine Rezendes passed away on November 24. She was 79. She was born in Mashpee to the large family of Delscena Mills, and Milteer Hendricks where she learned the value of charity to others. Christine was a stylish beauty with a quiet demeanor and a reputation for being an independent woman. She leaves five children, nine great-grandchildren, ten siblings, and many nieces and nephews behind to celebrate her life.
Amelia Peters Bingham “Seaweed” The eldest of the Peters Gang died December 20. She was 98. Amelia left her brand on the Tribe by establishing the Tribal Council governance structure that we use today. That Council would be chaired by her brother Russell for 25 years. One of her most significant accomplishments was the creation of the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum. It would be her crowning achievement that tribal members pointed to with pride. She was a member of the advisory board to the Massachusetts Commission on Indians Affairs. That entity would be led by her brother John, the Supreme Medicine Man of the Wampanoag Nation.
Debra and Yvonne represent the Mashpee beautifully on a brochure.
The museum began a renaissance that brought the Tribe the respect it deserved.
She used her creative talents to educate the public by traveling the nation giving lectures, accompanied by Tribal women modeling regalia correctly depicting Wampanoag clothing. Among those models were the late Debra Peters Mills, Councilwoman Yvonne Frye Avant, and Wanda Hendricks Andrews. Her legacy was one that instilled pride in our heritage in a way that peaked the attention of the nation.
Amelia’s elegance and sophistication was an asset she used to leverage support for her people.
Seaman understood the value of our culture and passed it on.
Seaman Piper Turner, II ” Buzzy” passed away on December 26. He was 79. Seaman was a proud Mashpee man who was talented and popular. He attended Samuel G Davis School and Lawrence High School. He served n the US Army, the Mashpee Volunteer Fire Department, and owned his own auto repair shop. One of his beautiful traits was a deep appreciation for Wampanoag culture. He was at the feet of his Elders listening and learning then passed the culture on to others. A striking figure, the gregarious Seaman, tall and handsome, owned the room when he appeared.
The loss of Everett reminds us that another treasured light is gone in our circle.
Everett Peters Everett died on December 27. He was 74. The youngest child of Fredrick and Francis Peters, he served in the Army and worked for the Town of Barnstable for many years. Also a proud Mashpee Wampanoag, ” Uncle Ev” loved to take his children, nieces, and nephews on lake outings. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 11:00 am at Mashpee Baptist Church, 27 Great Neck Rd. North, Mashpee. Interment will immediately follow at the Old Indian Cemetery, in Mashpee.
SO MANY DEATHS
As we mourn the loss of our Elders we need to think about preserving their legacies. That goes beyond talking about their accomplishments and their role in our lives. We have to live the truth and understand the sacrifices made for us. We lost five Elders in three months. Those are five people we can no longer love consult or provide us with answers.We need to involve our Elders in our Elections and enrollment to ground and guide us as they used too. Cedric pushed them out and minimized their traditional advisory role which proved disasteroous.
Greendeer is TA to a new tribe and that brings new challenges complicated by power politics.
We look to our leaders in Tribal government for just about everything now. It’s been tough to stabilize the work enviornment. The struggle has gone on for the last six months because of bad hires, botched job offers, and redo’s that never should have happened in the first place. We all know who is responsible for that. Newly hired Tribal Administrator David Greendeer a Ho Chunk, is expected to smooth out the rough edges and bring order to the disorder. Geendeer has an impressive record in the tribal administration of his own tribe known for being one of the more economically advanced in Indian Country. His corporation specializes in Strategic Planning and Analysis, program development and Indian affairs. Greendeer has been around Mashpee since he was a child. His father and former Tribal Chairman Russell Peters were close friends.As he must know, all tribes are different and we are no exception. He has been on board for a week and knows this is going to be a tough one. If he succeeds, we suceed. Good luck.
