02/07/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Mashpee Select Board Minutes February 7, 2022 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Comment: Lynne Barbee of 73 Surf Drive expressed appreciation to the above referenced comments echoing the same advocacy. Ms. Barbee offered comment on a recent letter publicized in the Mashpee Enterprise on February 4, 2022 from the Planning Board Chairman regarding the trade of Trout Pond for development agreements with Mashpee Commons. Ms. Barbee stated "we all want the best from everyone in town, to have cooperation and respect with no back room deals." Brian Weeden a resident of 133 Main Street and Chair of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe indicated the Tribe and its people have been here for over 12,000 years and there was no colonial concept of ownership with regards to our land. Mr. Weeden stated "the land is us and we are the land. Our instruction from the creator was and still is to take care of the earth and the land as it has been done before us." Mr. Weeden indicated that federal and state legislation protects the Tribe's aboriginal rights to hunt, fish, trap, and to gather and harvest on the land that has belonged to the Tribe for thousands of years. As a Sovereign Nation there are birthrights where Indians cannot be prohibited from practicing their aboriginal rights. It was explained the aboriginal rights are of critical importance to the physical survival of the Mashpee Wampanoag and their community traditions, lifeways and culture. The federal government recognizes and confirms the existence of these rights granting an easement over private lands to allow the Tribe's access to their places. In speaking of the proposed petition article Mr. Weeden indicated the petition would not apply to tribal members, and if it was approved it would show more harm and animosity between tribal and non -tribal members. In closing Mr. Weeden stated if the petition was not withdrawn, it would have been necessary to have meaningful conversation with the Tribe and the Town of Mashpee. Elana Doyle spoke against the support of any prohibition to hunting and agreed with the Select Board Chair's comments to get back on track and be respectful of the Mashpee community. When asked of the Charter review process, it was noted that although the committee is anticipated to reconvene in 2025, it is permissible to begin review sooner if the town choses to do so. Ms. Doyle was advised to call the Office of the Town Manager/Select Board for additional information.