Donald F. Malonson facts for kids

Donald F. Malonson (July 25, 1917 – August 22, 2003) was a respected leader of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). He served as their Chief for over 50 years. From 1951 until his passing in 2003, he symbolically led his people. His uncle, Chief No-Ho-No, chose him to lead the tribe.

Donald F. Malonson: A Wampanoag Leader

Growing Up in Aquinnah

Donald F. Malonson was born on July 25, 1917. His birthplace was Gay Head, Massachusetts. This area is now known as Aquinnah. His parents were William and Minnie Malonson. Donald's father was French Canadian.

His great-grandfather, Thomas Manning, was a whaler. Donald's grandfather, also named Thomas, was a hero. He received an award for rescuing twenty people. These survivors were from the SS City of Columbus shipwreck in 1884. Donald and his sister, Gladys Widdiss, grew up near Lobsterville Road. Their family homestead was built by their great-grandparents.

Serving in World War II

Donald Malonson left Gay Head only once in his life. This was to serve his country during World War II. He joined the 61st United States Naval Construction Battalion. This group was also known as the Seabees. They built important structures for the Navy.

On December 7, 1941, Donald learned about the Pearl Harbor bombings. He enlisted in the Navy right away. After training in Virginia, he went to the South Pacific. He traveled to many islands there. Donald was honorably discharged from the Navy on October 10, 1945.

Chief of the Wampanoag Tribe

In 1951, Donald's uncle, Harrison Vanderhoop, chose him as his successor. Harrison was also known as Chief No-Ho-No. Donald then became Chief of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). He led his people for 52 years.

Donald explained his role as Chief: "I'm not political," he said. "The chief's job is to be like a father figure. I attend tribal gatherings and powwows. Today, a chief is often a symbolic leader. Tribes now have presidents and councils. I represent the tribe, but I stay out of politics."

He also shared about his tribe's history: "We are a woodland people, but also a fishing tribe. Amos Smalley, a Gay Head Wampanoag, was famous. He was the only person to harpoon and kill a white whale. This happened off the Azores in 1902. Also, Tashtego, a character in the book Moby-Dick, was a Gay Head Indian."

Federal Recognition for the Tribe

In 1972, the Gay Head Tribal Council Inc. was formed. Their goal was to get federal recognition for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Chief Donald F. Malonson said, "It took the federal government over $2 million to figure out who we were. We already knew who we were."

It was a long and difficult process. Finally, the tribe received federal recognition on April 10, 1987. With this recognition, the Wampanoags also got back about 500 acres of their tribal lands. These lands were in the area called Gay Head.

Today, the Wampanoag tribe governs itself. They have an elected Tribal Council. Traditional roles, like the chief and medicine man, are also important. These positions are held for life. Donald served as Chief from 1951 until his death in 2003. His son, F. Ryan Malonson, is now the chief.