‘We Are Still Here’—Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Celebrates Native American Thanks Giving

Orange flowers decorated worn wooden beams and pews at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Native American Thanks Giving celebration on Saturday , November 22 . The ceremony, which highlighted Mashpee Wampanoag resilience and history, honored Medicine Woman June Ellen “Green Fire Lightning Woman” Tiexeira, who died in March .

The 19th annual celebration welcomed almost 80 attendees inside the Old Indian Meeting House. Medicine Man Earl “Soaring Eagle” Cash Jr. lit the palo santo to start the ceremony.

Cash first prayed for all families—especially those who experience substance use—and urged attendees to strengthen those families, not to overlook them. He emphasized the strength within all members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, including its women, children, elders and men.

“Every person