Takemmy: Wampanoag Pasts and Futures

West Tisbury and Tisbury were once part of the Wampanoag sachemship known as Takemmy in some sources. In this talk, we will examine the land and its history from the perspective of Takemmy. In the years prior to and following the arrival of English colonizers to the region, Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) remained a target for settlement. With the ‘official’ arrival of English settlers, the middle of the island comes under assault from many of the same colonial mechanisms seen on the mainland. How does this history of settler colonialism connect to today, the environment, and our future? Come examine this question in a talk that segways between the past, present, and future.

Brad Lopes is an Aquinnah Wampanoag citizen and educator with a background in Secondary Education: Social Studies and museum interpretation. With seven years of experience in classroom, museum, and community settings, Brad endeavors to approach both education and our understanding of history from a decolonized, Wampanoag lens. Brad has experience working with teachers and organizations as a presenter, collaborator, colleague, and source of consultation. He also intersects his work with other aspects of the Wampanoag worldview, particular surrounding whales, highlighting how interrelated the world is in that process. Today, Brad serves as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Aquinnah Cultural Center and the Native American Teacher Retention Initiative Program Manager for the Mashpee Wampanoag Education Department.

$15 ($10 for PHA members). Please pre-register. Sign Up Here