Natick town officials talk aboriginal rights with Nipmuc community members
Natick town officials talk aboriginal rights with Nipmuc community members
by Bob Brown July 14, 2023
As reported by Natick Report, Town officials in Natick met with members of the Nipmuc Nation to address an incident where Nipmuc individuals harvesting trees were confronted by the police due to a lack of awareness about their agreement with the Conservation Commission. This meeting aimed to improve understanding and respect for aboriginal rights among town employees and the public, following the guidelines in Massachusetts' Executive Order No. 126.
The Nipmuc members, although somewhat satisfied with the meeting, held signs outside Town Hall to further highlight aboriginal rights. The discussions involved educating law enforcement about these rights and implementing protocols to protect activities like harvesting cedar, medicinal plants, fishing, and hunting, which are part of these rights.
The Nipmuc representatives emphasized the need for training law enforcement and town employees on aboriginal rights and cultural understanding. They expressed a desire for broader public awareness of Native American history and culture and hoped for greater acknowledgment and inclusion of their community within Natick.
Town officials acknowledged the incident's mishandling and committed to internal changes to educate employees and the public about aboriginal rights. These efforts align with broader initiatives in Natick to address its history concerning native communities, including revising the town seal and considering the removal of the South Natick Dam.
