09/19/2023 MASHPEE INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Minutes

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Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Mr. Weeden stated some of those issues are legal that need to be worked out between the Tribe and the Select Board for conditions of transfer. Both articles authorize further conversations. This isn’t something that would happen overnight. Ms. Landry is in communication with various organizations to address water quality amongst other concerns. We want to make sure we are good stewards of the land. If the land was converted back to the Tribe there is talk that the public wouldn’t be allowed to access, that is a fear tactic and a big misconception. If the land is owned by the Tribe then the Tribe would pay taxes on it, if it is not in a trust then the town would still have jurisdiction. If placed in a trust, the town would have to support that and the Tribe would have full authority when it comes to policing and regulations. During Powwow weekend we allow anyone in town and anyone on this call to come to the reservation and not ask permission. Visitors of Foxwoods Casino are not being stopped. That is propaganda being used to divert a vote. Mr. Klein noted when Ms. Landry made presentations to the CPC, it seemed there were parcels in a Land Bank, and there would be issues in transferring. Mr. Weeden noted from a Conservation Agent, if the property was taken for back taxes there are covenants on that property. That is being worked out, a fear from the Conservation Agent is if that would set a precedent if the Tribe would then be able to take all or go after other Land Banks. Santuit Pond preserve is another Land Bank. We want to continue to preserve pieces of Mashpee’s history or develop it. There would be no constructing of buildings, just digging holes to construct dwellings that are not permanent, do not rot, and can be reconstructed. There are educational components too about teaching students how we view nature and it gives a better understanding of who their indigenous peers are. Mr. Kupferman asked if he could go to the Maushop Stables to look at the wetu. Mr. Weeden gave him permission to do so, their village is down in that bottom parking lot, behind the garden, and there is a path to it. The whole intent was to find a location closest to water and the Tribe picked that area because it is close to the Santuit River. This presentation was brought before the Land Use Committee, that’s how the Maushop Stables were chosen. Once they are built they can be relocated. All the wetu at the Plymouth Patuxet Plantation were built by Mashpee Wampanoag. Mr. Fahd noted the people of Mashpee have habits, one being beach. It is hard to withhold these things from people. Contention will not win. Mr. Klein echoed on what Mr. Weeden said previously about the misconception, there would need to be an address given by the Town Manager about public access with no problems. 4