MWT Native Environmental Ambassadors

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is excited to Kick off the newly formed youth group, Native Environmental Ambassadors!

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's long-standing relationship with the Cape Cod region and the Atlantic Ocean is a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting the natural world. For thousands of years, the tribe has lived in balance with the land and the sea, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and their dependence on healthy ecosystems.

However, this relationship is now being threatened by non-indigenous developments and inadequate regulations that are putting natural life and their ecosystems at risk. Additionally, the current climate crisis is exacerbating these challenges, with warming ocean temperatures and other environmental changes affecting the region's natural systems.

It is clear that the overpowering way of society has caused significant harm to the natural world and Indigenous communities. It is therefore essential for tribes like the Mashpee Wampanoag to return to their original teachings and ways of life, which emphasize the moral and cultural obligations of protecting the natural world and the relatives within those shared spaces.

The Tribe and Bioneers have developed a Native Youth Ambassador fellowship, which is a new opportunity for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal youth to learn about topics that are critical to the future of Indigenous communities. It is essential to recognize and protect the cultural and traditional relationships that indigenous communities have with the natural world, as well as the inherent rights that they hold to protect and manage their lands and resources.

Herring are an important resource for many coastal communities, and preserving their habitats and ecosystems is critical to maintaining their populations and ensuring the sustainability of the fishery. By working together, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Bioneers Organization can bring together their knowledge and expertise to develop effective strategies for managing and protecting these ecosystems.

It is also essential to recognize the moral obligation that we have to preserve and protect the natural world for future generations.

Please help support our efforts on this journey of reclaiming stewardship. Any support is appreciated and will be used to support the youth and culture keepers expand the education for the rights of herring initiative nationwide.