Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head

Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head

Gay Head Cliffs, Aquinnah, Martha's Vineyard
Total population
(1,121[1])
Regions with significant populations
United States ( Massachusetts)
Languages
English, Wampanoag
Religion
traditional tribal religion
Related ethnic groups
other Wampanoag people

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) is a federally recognized tribe of Wampanoag people based in the town of Aquinnah on the southwest tip of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.^[2] The tribe hosts an annual Cranberry Day celebration.^[3]

Government

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head is governed by an eleven-member council. The current administration is as follows.

The tribe also has a traditional chief and medicine man, who both hold their positions for life.^[2]

Economic development

The Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe operates a shellfish hatchery on Menemsha Pond, cultivating oysters. Tourism is also very important to the tribe.^[2] Many tribal members own their own businesses,^[3] while others have had to move off island for employment.

History

Amos Haskins, an Aquinnah Wampanoag whaling captain

Wampanoag people have lived in Aquinnah, Massachusetts for millennia. Traditionally, they fished, grew crops, and hunted whales. English people began settling in the region in large numbers by the 17th and 18th centuries, encroaching on Wampanoag lands.^[4]

In 1972, the tribe formed the Wampanoag Tribal Council of Gay Head, Inc. for cultural preservation and political self-determination. It filed a land claims suit in 1974, seeking to gain title to 3,000 acres of lands lost to the state and town, as they did not gain federal approval for extinguishment of Wampanoag title, as required under the 1790 Non-Intercourse Act.^[5] These were part of public lands in the town of Gay Head. The suit was controversial, also clouding title to other lands in the town.

The US federal government formally recognized the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) on April 10, 1987.^[4] Under the Massachusetts Indian Land Claim Settlement Act of 1987, the federal government agreed to take in trust on behalf of the tribe approximately 485 acres of Tribal Lands purchased (160 acres private and approximately 325 acres common lands). The town contributed some land and the state of Massachusetts contributed up to $2,250,000 to a fund so the Wampanoag could acquire land to be held for communal purposes. Common lands include the Gay Head Cliffs, Herring Creek, and Lobsterville, and the private lands are in several parcels. Other land owned by the Tribe includes parcels in Christiantown and Chappaquiddick.^[4][6] The settlement provides details as to responsibilities and jurisdiction.

Since that time, in 1988 the Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, to establish a regulatory framework for gaming on Native American lands within the jurisdiction of federally recognized tribes. As required by law, the Tribe submitted its proposed gaming ordinance to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC); it withdrew it and submitted an amended form in May 2013. By letter dated 23 August 2013, the Solicitor of the Department of Interior responded to an inquiry by the NIGC and said that the Wampanoag were not prohibited by the terms of their Settlement Act from applying for approval of gaming on their lands, in accordance with state laws.^[5]

The tribe has pulled back from an earlier proposal to develop Class III gaming casino on its land, to which the state objected. as of 2014, it proposed to adapt an existing building for a Class II boutique casino. The case is in federal district court, and the town of Aquinnah has joined the state in opposing this.^[7]

Notes

References

• Pritzker, Barry M. A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture, and Peoples. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 978-0-19-513877-1

External links

• Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) , official website