09/30/1996 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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to accentuate the experience and provide more balance to the colonization process. The period being depicted is a 50 year period between 1640 to 1690. Plimouth Colony records tell much about the English during that some facts about the Wam anoa period and, by inference, p gresence do p emerge. Nevertheless, the account is decidedly Eurocentric and needs to reflect the societal relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags s' during this period. While there may not always be agreement, there will be two points of view. This can be healthy, like conducting an imaginary conversation with Governor Bradford regarding the distribution of land. Or, a discussion with Squanto to ask if he betrayed his brothers on behalf of the English. it will be interesting to discuss issues the Wampanoags faced during this period of migration and settlement. Issues such as land, displacement, religion, language, laws, and control of individual rights. Somehow, these things will have to be worked into the interpreters' dialogue and should be reflected in the response to questions by the visitors to the Plymouth Rock National Monument. The result will be an award winning effort to balance this important event that has shaped the history of these United States. There is no doubt that the colonization started at Plymouth was the beginning of an era that we still live in. 376 years is not a long time in comparison to other great civilizations. Our history is close to us, and it is important to preserve and defend it as an accurate and well balanced story. 1 The Wampanoags take pride in their heritage which goes beyond the landing of the Pilgrims at Plimouth. They are painfully aware that many non-indians consider that the Wampanoags are history and no longer exist in real life. In a recent visit to the Jamestown Colony in Virginia, the interpreters were excellent in their ability to connect the Native people to the English of the colony. The State of Virginia, Department of Education did the interpretation and the presentation of the relationship between the Indians and the English. It would be well to involve the Massachusetts Department of Education in a similar role. ; The Mashpee Historic District can make the connection between the Plymouth Rock National Monument and Wampanoag people. Out of this can come meaningful dialogue with visitors. The message, "We are still here", will come across to visitors as they emerge from the 17th century and into the next millennium. The Mashpee Historic District will focus on the Indian community in Mashpee. A combination of conservation land, historic sites and recreational facilities will focus on the history and knowledge of the Wampanoags of Mashpee. . I `