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
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
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?
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
The environmental justice aspect of land-back and rematriation is closely tied to the Indigenous peoples’ historical and contemporary role as stewards of the land. Indigenous-centered land stewardship practices emphasize sustainability, ecological conservation, and biodiversity preservation. The deep knowledge that Indigenous communities possess about their environments positions them as key contributors to addressing pressing environmental challenges. Indigenous land stewardship is often rooted in a profound understanding … Continue reading Rematriation and Environmental Justice
Collaborative partnerships between Indigenous communities, non-Indigenous allies, and governmental or non-governmental organizations are important for advancing the land-back and rematriation movements. These partnerships can offer a framework for shared responsibilities, resources, and expertise, contributing to the success and sustainability of land-return initiatives in several ways. Collaborative partnerships can enable the pooling of resources, both financial and technical. Non-Indigenous allies and organizations can provide funding, legal … Continue reading For Partners and Allies in Rematriation
The land-back and rematriation movements go beyond the physical return of territory; they carry immeasurable implications for healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of NIpmuc community’s cultural identity. Returning land to Indigenous peoples can be a complex process that addresses historical trauma, revitalizes traditional knowledge, and fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy for the people. Land is central to our cultural identity as Nipmuc people. … Continue reading Our Homelands & Our Healing
Cheryll Toney Holley 