Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe facts for kids

The Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe is a group of people who say they are descendants of the Wampanoag people. They live in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Several groups have formed to represent the Seaconke Wampanoag.

This organization is not officially recognized by the U.S. government or by any state. This means they are not a federally recognized tribe or a state-recognized tribe. In 1997, the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs wrote a letter that seemed to "reaffirm" the Seaconke Wampanoag people. However, this commission did not have the power to officially recognize Native American groups.

Wilfred "Eagle Heart" Greene (1937–2016) was an early leader of this group. He said he was a descendant of Ousamequin (c. 1581–1661), also known as Massasoit. The group believes they are descendants of Massasoit's band. They also identify as descendants of Annawan, another Wampanoag leader who died in 1676. Lois "Lulu" Viera Chaffee (1941–2021) was also a founding member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe.

What's in a Name?

The name Seaconke can be spelled in different ways. It is the name of a town, Seekonk, Massachusetts, and a river, the Seekonk River. This river is close to Providence, Rhode Island. The word "Seaconke" also means "home of the black goose." This place name comes from a 17th-century Narragansett sachem, who was a leader. The Wampanoag are a Native American tribe from New England. They speak an Algonquian language.

Nonprofit Groups

In 1997, the Seaconke Wampanoag group became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Cranston, Rhode Island. A 501(c)(3) is a group that does good things for the community and doesn't have to pay certain taxes. Michael Markley was the secretary in 2020. Robert Harris was the treasurer in 2021.

In 1998, the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe–Wampanoag Nation also became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This group was based in Warwick, Rhode Island. Wilfred Green was the main contact person. Wilfred W. Greene III was president in 1998. Stasia Constantino was a director. This group's nonprofit status was canceled in 2012 and again in 2018.

Land Claims and Donations

In 2003, Wilfred W. Greene sued Rhode Island and the towns of Cumberland and Woonsocket. He claimed 34 square miles of land near the Blackstone River. However, the court case was dismissed.

In 2008, Patrick and Gail Conley gave a 6.7-acre piece of land in Cumberland, Rhode Island, to the organization. Wilfred Green was in charge of this land. This land was part of a site that had hazardous waste. It was called a superfund site by the EPA, meaning it needed a big cleanup.

Seeking Official Recognition

Native American tribes can seek official recognition from the U.S. government or from a state. This recognition can provide certain benefits and rights.

Federal Recognition Efforts

In 1998, Wilfred Green sent a letter saying the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe wanted to become a federally recognized tribe. At that time, the group was based in Greenwich, Rhode Island. However, the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe never sent in the full application needed for federal recognition.

State Recognition Efforts

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts created its Commission on Indian Affairs in 1974. But this commission was not given the power to officially recognize tribes. John "Slow Turtle" Peters (ca. 1929–1997), who was the executive director, signed a document called "Recognition and Reaffirmation of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe."

The Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe is a member of the National Congress of American Indians. This organization lists them as "State Recognized" and part of the Northeast Region.

In 2021, Rhode Island State Representative Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson tried to pass a law, House Bill 5385, for state recognition of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe. This bill did not pass. Another bill, Rhode Island House Bill 7470, was introduced on February 11, 2022. It aimed to recognize the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe as a Native American tribe. Since March 1, 2022, this bill has been "held for further study" by a committee.

On January 24, 2024, Rhode Island Senate Bill 2238 was introduced. It aimed to recognize the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe to help them get federal benefits. On February 2, 2024, Rhode Island House Bill 7477 was introduced with the same goal.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee does not support the state recognizing the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe. He believes that experts like anthropologists and historians should study such claims, not lawmakers. The Narragansett Indian Tribe also does not support their recognition. Rhode Island currently has no state-recognized tribes.

Activities and Community

The first clear record of a Seaconke Wampanoag community is from 1924. That year, they built the First Free Methodist Church in Seekonk, Massachusetts.

The Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe holds an annual powwow in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. A powwow is a gathering where Native American people celebrate their culture through dancing, singing, and socializing. They have hosted their powwow every year since 1996.

Notable Members

Professional boxer Kali Reis, also known as "KO Mequinonoag," is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag. Her boxing name, Mequinonoag, was given to her by her mother, who is the "medicine woman" of the organization. Lianna Costantino, from the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds, researched Reis's family history. She stated that she "did not find indication of American Indian ancestry."

Science fiction author Moniquill Blackgoose is also a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag tribe. Her novel To Shape a Dragon's Breath won the 2024 Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book and the 2024 Andre Norton Award.

See also

• List of organizations that self-identify as Native American tribes