Leah and Jonathan are the stewards of a Sugarbush Maple Camp on ancestral homelands in Fall River, MA (shown in this portrait).

“As a tribal nation leader, historian and Indigenous educator, I am constantly working to promote the visibility of our people here in the Northeast. When I walk into school and I see young children dressed in paper bags, with construction paper feathers on their heads, or when I see school mascots and people dressed up as a false representation of my nation, it hurts–but it really speaks to the misuse of education funds, ignorance, lack of respect, and unwillingness to learn about another group of human beings.”

– Jonathan Perry

“Ever since I was a child, I have always felt compelled to be near the water. I love the summer time because that is when the water glitters back at me as if it is welcoming me back to it. To be a Nipmuc’k person, is to be a person who descends from the “People of The Fresh Water”. This has many meanings for me, but most importantly it means that wherever there is water–I exist. Wherever there is water, my ancestors exist. They babble to me in the brooks, and they smile at me from the glittering surfaces of lakes and rivers and streams. No matter what, I always return to the water. I am Nipmuc’k. I am here because my ancestors wanted me to be here. I am here because I want to live in a future that they would have been proud of. I am here because they lost everything. I am here to make sure that they will not be forgotten. I am here to remember their sacrifices. I am here to honor their memories, and the endless knowledge that they kept for us. I am here because I believe in a future that is indigenous. I am here.”

At home in Schaghticoke/Northfield, MA

Kanyen’keháka (Mohawk) Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)

Founder of “The Child Whisperers” parent coaching and caregiver professional development. Bringing resources to children and families for a more whole and harmonious future with Our Mother the Earth and The Good Mind.

Chumash (California)

Photographed at Amherst College Sanctuary Trail Pond

Amherst College, Amherst, MA

Brothertown Indian Nation (Wisconsin)

Attorney-at-Law (Massachusetts and Arizona)

Professor | Scholar | Federal Indian Law Attorney

Advocate for the colonized, the marginalized, the subjugated, the disenfranchised, and the incarcerated.

Photographed at Hampshire College, attending the Five Colleges Native American and Indigenous Studies Symposium, Amherst, MA

Photographed at home Colrain, MA

“I was blessed to be raised with some connection to my Indigenous heritage from the time I was a baby. I have been going to, and participating in powwows for as long as I can remember. Being able to express myself culturally is important to who I am as a person for many reasons, including the fact that the opportunity to express ourselves culturally for many Native people had been expressly forbidden and outlawed for many years. Being able to openly and proudly participate in cultural events is a way for me to honor my ancestors and others who were not afforded that same opportunity. Singing at powwows gives me a joy like no other thing in my life. It is a joy and happiness that I feel in my mind, heart, soul, and bones. I am beyond thankful that I get to express this part of me.”

Photographed singing with Urban Thunder at the 38th Annual UMass Powwow, Amherst, MA

“My family is of Wampanoag and Penobscot heritage. We've lived off that piece of land for 40+ years. As a kid, being able to wake up everyday in the shadow of Mt. Monadnock makes it a very special place for me. A reminder that my ancestors, during seasonal retreats, inhabited these same lands.”

Photographed in Ashburnham, MA

“This portrait was taken at a local college. I decided to become part of the academy because I think teaching the next generation (of tribal and non-tribal youth) is one of the most important responsibilities we have. They are our future leaders and deserve–and need–our respect so they can respect themselves and those around them. Teaching Native Studies courses has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life!”

Kahgee Family

Waganakising Odawa (Anishinaabe)

(Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa from Petoskey, Michigan)

Photographed at Mill River Park in Amherst, MA

“I’d never been to that place before but I feel at home anywhere there is fresh water, and I am always longing to be back on/in/near the Great Lakes.”

“I love my culture because it allows me to be a well rounded person. By this I mean I can be engaged in more than one pursuit at one time. I am a human being who happens to be a woman, a mentor who is also mentored, an advocate who can also ask for advocacy when I need it, an artist who appreciates the art of others, a community organizer who at times can be a little disorganized personally, a poet who relies on the poetic justice of life to be inspired, a person with ADA needs but still capable and of use within my community…my culture allows for the fluidity of being a human being who is ever growing, who is the sum of the past and present, with a responsibility for the future.

Wado!”

Photographed at her wellness information table at the 38th Annual UMass Powwow, Amherst, MA

Bo'taan'niis, [Flying Chief],

Enrolled member of the Siksikaitsitapi Blackfoot Nation of Southern Alberta, Canada.

Proud Two~Spirit, Visual Artist, Public Speaker, Indigenous Social Justice Advocate, Lands and Water Defender.

“As a resident of Chicopee, Massachusetts since 2005, I am presently producing art work that express new ideas based within explorations of my heritage as visual environmental statements rooted in traditional/ancient Blackfoot artways. As multimedia expressions on canvas, I embrace color as language, evoking form as tradition. Marking issues of current context and discourse in land defense, cultural resilience, post contact document and aspirations for healing in these relevant states of Indigenous peoples movements toward social justice, relating to the natural world, and the impact of human activity on its condition and ultimate preservation.”

“I’m from Worcester, Massachusetts but have been living in Boston for the last 6 years. Since I’m away from my home, I’ve curated my bedroom to be a sanctuary of sorts, I’ve surrounded myself with photos, plants, and objects that remind me of home and bring me comfort.”

Photographed in Dorchester, MA

"Our Regalia tells a story of our Tribe and Homeland. But within our Hearts is the Story of why we never forget."

Photographed at home in Springfield, MA

“I dance at powwows because it's one of the many ways we can hold onto our culture. I dance men's northern traditional. It's one of the oldest dance styles. You don't dance for yourself. You dance for family, friends, and the people.

We can still hold onto our culture today.”

Photographed at the 38th Annual UMass Powwow, Amherst, MA

One of the earliest memories Leonard has is of laying in front of a fireplace at his grandmother’s house, the family gathered for Sunday dinner to celebrate his uncle being home on leave from WWII. One of the stories Uncle told was about some young Native men who spoke a different language in code to confuse the enemy.

That night made a huge impression on Leonard; the idea that Native men made a difference in a war inspired him. His grandmother taught him that Native men are warriors, with a mandate to protect not only their family and community, but their homeland. At the age of 17, Leonard enlisted in the United States Navy, and went to Korea, serving on the Battleship New Jersey with honor. Years later, he again emulated his heroes, the Navajo Code Talkers and volunteered for service in Vietnam.

Over the years, Leonard made a career of his art, and traditional Storytelling. But he also found time to mentor young Veterans who, like him, were dealing with battle scars and PTSD. Even now, younger Vets come to see him, to talk about their feelings, their fears, and their lives. Leonard listens. He counsels. He holds their hands.

To him, he is still fulfilling his duties as a Native American Warrior.

Upper Image:

Jean-Luc Pierite [Tunica-Biloxi], Raquel Halsey [Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation], Janelle Pocowatchit [Comanche/Mi'kmaq] (L-to-R)

Jean-Luc Pierite

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

President of the Board of Directors, North American Indian Center of Boston

“Our work at NAICOB is driven by collaborations with other indigenous organizations and community member driven initiatives. As we reflect on 50 years of service to the New England American Indian community, pow wows serve as reminders. When we dance and pray with each other in circle, we are united.”

Raquel Halsey

Red Corn Woman

Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation

“Identity is deeply personal. It both shapes us and guides us. I was lucky to be born into a home that celebrates indigeneity; both sides of my family work to keep our stories and knowledge alive. I could not be more proud to be who I am.”

(Excerpted from a longer statement.)
Lower Image:

Mother/Anaana and Daughter/Panik

Ella Nathanael Alkiewicz and Reggi Alkiewicz

Labrador Inuit

Left:

Michelle Drake [Eastern Swampy Cree]

“I'm not good with words, but I would like everyone to understand that my culture and my family isn’t a mascot cartoon. I feel no culture should be dishonored. My elders taught me that we should make our 7th Generation’s life better than our life now. My life now is as a Native Woman, Mother, advocate for my autistic son, a good Daughter, and Aunt.

NOT A MASCOT!!”

Right:

Lauren McInerney [Mam]

“My name is Lauren & my ethnic background is Mam. I was adopted & grew up in the Berkshires but it wasn’t until I attended UMass Amherst that I learned with & from other Indigenous peoples about who I am as an Indigenous person & whom the Indigenous Peoples of United States are, specifically those of the Northeastern United States. I earned my Bachelors in Anthropology with a Certificate in Native American Studies in 2012. I also was an active member of the Native American Student Association during my time as an undergrad; helping to host annual events such as the Native American Studies Symposium & UMass Powwow. I remain an active community member to this day. What I would like non-Native people to know is that we are here–living our personal lives, but also educating ourselves & the public about who we are & what is & isn’t respectful when engaging with us. Follow our lead, we know who we are; despite the hundreds of years of colonization & oppression we have faced both individually & collectively, we remain & we are resilient.”

Left:

Brian Moskwetah Weeden

[Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Tribal Councilman]

“We walk in two worlds, one in a moccasin and the other in a shoe. It’s important to remember who we are as Indigenous people, and to always honor all of our relations!”

Center:

Liz Charlebois [Missisquoi Abenaki]

Liz Charlebois is an Abenaki educator, nurse, artist, and leader. She served as Chair of the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs from 2013-2016, and is an accomplished basket maker, bead worker, dancer, and farmer. Liz grows and preserves northeastern indigenous crops. She has established a seed library dedicated to those seeds. She is a member of the younger generation of Abenaki people who are working to preserve and revitalize the culture, history, and identity of our original inhabitants.

Right:

Andrew DeVido [Aquinnah Wampanoag]

Left:

James Moreis [Aquinnah Wampanoag]

“When I was younger I didn’t really think much of native mascots. Over the years I have seen many mascots for sports teams and the disrespectful chanting at sport events. I honestly don't think people take into consideration that anyone’s heritage is something to not make fun of. We as a people have for years tried to explain that entertainment and exploiting of another's cultural heritage is not acceptable and it makes very hurtful and harmful stereotypes. I only hope that we can eliminate these mascots and stereotypes in the near future.”

Center (L-to-R):

Denise Sundown [Mohawk 6 Nations, Bear Clan]

Sheldon Sundown [Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan]

Sophia Sundown [Mohawk 6 Nations, Bear Clan]

Sheldon served as the event MC at the 38th Annual UMass Powwow

Amherst, MA

Right:

Warren E. Griffin Jr.

[Yup'ik from the Native Village of Goodnews Bay, AK]

“My ancestors are not mascots.”