5/18/1992 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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BOARD OF SELECTMEN Page MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 1 , 1992 Shellfish Aboriginal Rights Discussion: ti Mr. Gurwitz relates that the value system allows us to survive. How can the Indians survive without their heritage? When they hunt and fish they coo it for food . It is not a game. There are many potential benefits in Town notes Attorney Gurwitz , The Indians need recognition. He suggests they organize a hunting and fishing code of their own to be recognized . With regards to Federal recognition, any rights the Indian people do not give up or abandon is still theirs relates Mr, Gurwitz . He suggests the Town work together with the Tribal Council in education, communication and exchange . Ellsworth Oakley asked how the issue of aboriginal rights carne ' a] out and when .the Town will set precedence and honor the � hunting and shellfishing' rights of the Indians? Selectman caffyn indicates that selectman Mills brought this item up to he included in the Selectmen ' s agenda of discussion . She motes that it is the first step to tai.k about this concern. Patricia Weeden indicated that the land belongs to everyone. She motes that communication is the key. There has been a lack of communication.' She indicates that she was raised on shellfish. That was her family ' s livelihood . Earl cash noted that there are a lot of ancient ways in Town that are blocked off with fences and stonewalls. He recommends 41 to review this and open the ancient ways. George Benway gave sympathy. ._--the way, we have over used our resources . He identifies with the remarks s made, but restoration of aboriginal rights bestows unlimited rights on a certain group of people. The problems face all of us , He feels we should all be treated individually and equally. It is the arnerican way indicates Mr. Benway, We can live to- gether and should be under one law. He indicates that Federal Recognition is a very complicated issue. There are ramifications far beyond what we can consider today. He suggests to listen to attorney ' s from the other side of the fence to determine what it means and wants . It may be something -Mashee does or does not want, Russell Peters, Jr. indicated that it is not true.. The Indians are- not treated equally. If we were melted, it would eliminate our heritage, Mr, Benway indicates- the ability to hunt and fish without a license should be extended to all of us in Mashpee so we can all derive benefit . Selectman Jacobson indicates that she is extremely impressed and happy with tonight ' s meeting. There were no feelings of animosity, We need to work together to protect Mashpee. She hopes the attitde will continue to work these things out .