Author: Cheryll Toney Holley

Community

A Not-So-Gentle Reminder

For centuries, Europeans and Euro-Americans have wielded legal mechanisms to exert control over Indigenous territories in Massachusetts. These laws were instrumental in stripping the Nipmuc people of all but 3.5 acres of their ancestral lands. The year 1627 marked the onset of colonial dominance over the natural “resources” of present-day Massachusetts. By the 1950s, the implementation of conservation laws and regulations commenced in response to … Continue reading A Not-So-Gentle Reminder

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Black Indigenous History & Genealogy, Community

My Small Piece

There is a fabulous exhibit at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut that tells the story of the sea from the viewpoints of Black and Indigenous peoples. It is called Entwined: Freedom, Sovereignty, and the Sea and you have to go see it. Below is my piece from the exhibit catalog- Telling It Like It Is (and Was) For centuries, others have told our stories in ways … Continue reading My Small Piece

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Community

Our Nipmuc Future

Land-back and rematriation hold the potential to shape a transformative and equitable future, not only for our Nipmuc community but for all peoples. The long-term impact extends beyond the return of specific territories, reaching into broader realms of justice, sustainability, climate change, and cultural revitalization. Potential long-term impacts of land-back and rematriation include: The potential long-term impact of land-back and rematriation movements is crazy-real, reaching … Continue reading Our Nipmuc Future

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Black Indigenous History & Genealogy

Who is a Pegan?

I keep hearing folks claim to be descended from the Pegan Band of Nipmuc Indians, the forebears of the current Chaubunagungamaug Band. Many that claim that ancestry are simply not Pegan and I admit to being confused at the sudden popularity of my ancestors. Here is a brief rundown on what currently existing Nipmuc families descend from the ancestral Pegans. To begin, Pegan was what … Continue reading Who is a Pegan?

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Plant Medicine

5 Wild Medicinal Plants in Nipmuc Country that You Can Use Everyday

None of the plants below are native to Nipmuc country but they are all found everywhere and I use them regularly when making, using, and giving away plant medicine. Plantain Plantain is #1 on this list because it’s my favorite medicinal plant and its available everywhere. It is NOT native to the Americas, the colonists brought it over from Europe. As someone who works with … Continue reading 5 Wild Medicinal Plants in Nipmuc Country that You Can Use Everyday

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Community

The Economic Impact of Rematriation

Land-back and rematriation efforts have significant economic implications, offering Indigenous communities opportunities for sustainable resource management, ecotourism, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Returning land to Indigenous communities can contribute to economic empowerment, job creation, and the development of Indigenous-led businesses. Here are some key aspects of the economic implications of land-return initiatives: Admittedly, I have not warmed to the idea of co-management of land … Continue reading The Economic Impact of Rematriation

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