Cedric Cromwell facts for kids

Cedric Cromwell, also known as Qaqeemasq (or Running Bear), is a former leader of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. He was the Tribal Council Chairman. This means he was in charge of the official government for the tribe. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has about 2,600 members. They are a federally recognized tribe in Massachusetts. Cromwell was first elected as chairman in 2009. He left his position in 2020.

About Cedric Cromwell

Cedric Cromwell was born in 1965 in Boston, Massachusetts. His father was James Oliver Cromwell. He was from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Cedric's mother was Constance "Lone Eagless" Tobey-Cromwell. She was from Dorchester, Massachusetts. His mother also served the Wampanoag Tribe. She was the Tribal Secretary.

Leading the Tribe

Cedric Cromwell was a member of the Tribal Council for eight years. Then, in 2009, he was elected as Chairman. He became chairman as part of a new movement. This happened after the previous chairman, Glenn Marshall, left office.

As chairman, Cromwell worked on important projects for the tribe. He helped get financial support for a tribal casino. This support came from a wealthy businessman, Lim Goh Tong. He also hired Bill Delahunt, a former U.S. representative. Delahunt worked to help the tribe with their plans.

Securing Land for the Tribe

The Wampanoag Tribe has not had its own reservation for a long time. Cedric Cromwell worked hard to get land for the tribe. This land would be held "in trust" by the federal government. This means the government would hold the land for the tribe's benefit.

Having land in trust is important for tribes. It helps them have their own sovereign base. This means they can make their own rules on that land. The tribe wanted this land to build a casino resort. This resort would include hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Cromwell also traveled to Washington, D.C. He spoke about important issues for Native Americans. He supported the Native CLASS Act. This act aims to improve education for Native children. He also wanted all tribes to be treated fairly. He spoke to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. He worked to get Congress to approve land for the Wampanoag.

However, a court decision in 2012 made this harder. The US Supreme Court ruled that tribes not under federal control in 1934 could not get trust land. Any land they bought would be like other private land.

Family Life

Cedric Cromwell is married to Cheryl Frye-Cromwell.

See also

• Deval Patrick#Casino gaming
• Genting Group#Resort and casino properties
• Bill Delahunt#Lobbying