Finding Hope and Inspiration in a Native American Wetu

Sitting and weaving on a bed covered with animal furs in a wetu (wigwam) in Plimoth Plantantion,, the brilliantly recreated rendering of Plymouth and adjoining Wampanoag Indian settlement in 1627, seven years after the creation of the colony, a Wampanoag woman from a nearby reservation who has meticulously studied the history of her people, spoke poignantly to Tanya and I about Wampanoag history and culture.

Seated between her husband and niece, she spoke of the arrival of the Pilgrims and the eventual devastation of her people and all the tribes of New England despite the vital aid the Wampanoags had rendered the Pilgrims, memorialized with the first Thanksgiving, which literally saved the Pilgrims from starvation. Yet when I asked her how she sees the future of America, she expressed optimism, saying that we are presently going through the birth pangs of a new consciousness in which all Americans including the First Nations and African-Americans “ finally have a full and equal seat at the table.” She said that this time of transformation and renewal is foretold In the ancient prophecies of her people and that the Wampanoags and all Native Americans have a huge amount to contribute—especially the ability to live in harmony with nature—to the healing of our shared society.

Indeed in downtown Plymouth today near the site of Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims landed exactly 400 years ago, alongside all the memorials to the courage and valor of the settlers, is a plaque noting that for many Native Americans Thanksgiving is now observed as a Day of Mourning for the devastation they have endured in the four centuries since. Yet 2500 Wampanoag still exist, mostly on southern Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard; they have managed to bring their nearly extinct language back to life, teaching it in their schools, and now are hopeful for the future.

For me, it was a deeply moving and uplifting encounter. If the Wampanoags can believe in a radiant future, after all they have endured, who am I to despair? Let all the children of this diverse and vibrant land reach out and embrace each other.. Let us heal America at last.