Native American Heritage Month: Who Were The Wampanoag?

You may recall the Wampanoag from the story of the first Thanksgiving we’ve all learned since childhood. And indeed, during the autumn of 1621, at least 90 Wampanoag joined 52 English people at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, to mark a successful harvest. It is remembered today as the “First Thanksgiving.” But who were they? And where are they now?

The Wampanoag people are a Native American tribe that historically inhabited the region now known as southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They were part of the larger Algonquian-speaking Native American tribes in the northeastern United States. Wampanoag means People of the First Light.

The Wampanoag were a semi-sedentary people, meaning they had both settled and nomadic elements in their lifestyle. They relied on a combination of agriculture, hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. They cultivated crops such as corn, beans, and squash, known as the “Three Sisters,” which formed the basis of their diet.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the Wampanoag had a complex social and political structure. They were organized into several autonomous villages, each led by a sachem, or chief. These sachems were responsible for making important decisions and maintaining order within their communities.

The Wampanoag had a deep connection to the land and practiced sustainable land management. They had a profound respect for nature and believed in the interconnectedness of all living things. Their spirituality centered around the belief in a supreme being called “Maushop” and the presence of spirits in the natural world.

When the Pilgrims arrived aboard the Mayflower in 1620, the Wampanoag played a crucial role in assisting the struggling settlers. The Wampanoag leader, Massasoit, formed an alliance with the Pilgrims, offering them guidance in agriculture, trade, and survival skills. This alliance lasted for several decades and played a significant role in the early interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes.

Over time, however, the relationship between the Wampanoag and the English settlers deteriorated due to conflicts over land, resources, and cultural differences. This led to a series of wars known as the King Philip’s War in the 1670s, which resulted in significant losses for the Wampanoag and other Native American tribes in the region.

Mashpee Wampanoag powwow

Despite the challenges they faced, the Wampanoag people have persevered and continue to maintain their cultural identity and traditions to this day. They have tribal communities and organizations that work to preserve their heritage, promote education, and advocate for the rights of Native American people. About 4,000-5,000 Wampanoag live in New England today, and only six visible tribal communities remain from the original 69 in the Wampanoag Nation.

It is important to note that the Wampanoag people have a rich and complex history that extends far beyond their interactions with the Pilgrims. Their cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions have played a significant role in shaping the history of the northeastern United States.