Tag: Native American Genealogy

Black Indigenous History & Genealogy

David Munnalaw, also known as my 9th great-grandfather

David Munnalaw, sometimes spelled Munnunaw, lived among the people of Hassanamesit long before King Philip’s War erupted in the Dawnland. His life was one of complexity and contradiction, embodying the difficult choices faced by many Indigenous people during that time. He was born at Wamesit (now called Lowell) about 1645 and was part of a group of Pawtucket people who lived in Okommakamesit – now … Continue reading David Munnalaw, also known as my 9th great-grandfather

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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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Black Indigenous History & Genealogy

My Revolutionary War Veterans

I recently did a controversial thing (at least in my communities, it is controversial) – I submitted a DAR application for my ancestor Mingo Pollock. DAR is the Daughters of the American Revolution and they have a long, long history of racism against People of Color. Which they are trying to overcome – they published some years ago the volume African American and American Indian … Continue reading My Revolutionary War Veterans

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Plant Medicine

Cedar Swamps & Westboro

I had the opportunity to visit a couple of cedar swamps in Westborough, MA last fall. The weather was warm though and the ground soaking wet so I didn’t get as close as I would have liked. Both cedar swamps are well known and cared for by the town. Here is a link to the South Cedar Swamp trail guide – https://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/CedarSwampExplorationGuide.pdf and some photos … Continue reading Cedar Swamps & Westboro

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Community

Root Doctresses & Indian Doctresses

Doctress is a term once used for a female doctor. It was more commonly used when females were not encouraged to practice medicine. It was also used to describe African and Indigenous women who used their cultures’ healing methods within (and sometimes outside) their communities. A root doctress is a practitioner of African American folk medicine and spiritual practices. In Africa, medical practices tied together … Continue reading Root Doctresses & Indian Doctresses

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