Category: Munsee

The Berkshire Museum’s repatriation of remains to the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe was part of a larger process that began in 1990 when a landmark federal law ordered America’s museums and universities to return Native American cultural objects.

When the Berkshire Museum gives two sets of human remains to the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, it will be a successful step forward for a process as difficult as it is morally necessary. It will not only be a clear-eyed accounting of a deep historical wound but an example of how, with respect and recognition, it is never too late to hope for healing and reconciliation.

The remains are set to be transferred from the custody of the Berkshire Museum to the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe, which plans to give them a dignified reburial. The remains were donated to the Berkshire Athenaeum in 1932. Years before that, in the late 19th century, they were recovered in a river washout in the late 19th century in the area of Springfield and Longmeadow. Like so many Native American remains once laid to rest in tribal burial locations, they were carelessly unearthed by the same forces of expanding American empire that pushed their peoples out, catalogued and stored as exhibits and artifacts without regard for the wishes or traditions of the deceased individuals or their tribes.

How would you feel if your family’s bones were raked from the earth and appropriated as the property of those whose ancestors dispossessed yours? Unfortunately, many Native Americans don’t have to imagine such a rending ordeal adding insult to the injury of displacement and destruction.

Fortunately, much has changed in the world of museum ethics…

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Jogwe, Hayakawa discuss past, present, future of Indigenous studies at the College – The Williams Record
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The Berkshire Museum is repatriating the remains of two Native ancestors to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians.

In the 1990s, in response to a federal law, the Berkshire Museum classified the two cranial bone fragments as “culturally unidentifiable.” Under federal regulations, if Native remains are not classified as culturally affiliated, museums are not required to proactively reach out to tribes.

In addition to the human remains, the Museum has 13 objects that are believed to have been buried with the remains; 10 pottery shards and three stone tools.

The only documentation the museum has are tiny pieces of paper saying the remains, which were donated in the late 1800s, were dug up from river washout near an Indian burial ground in the Springfield – Longmeadow area.

A 1995 report from the University of Massachusetts concluded these remains belong to one adult and one adolescent.

Now, after consulting with representatives from the Stockbridge – Munsee band, the museum published a notice in the federal register stating the remains are affiliated with that tribe.

Jason Vivori, the museum’s collections manager, said under the lawmuseums determine which tribe the remains belong to, but he said the Berkshire Museum sees the repatriation process differently.

“If they [Native tribes] provide us with a good reason why, we’re not questioning it or challenging it. This is their culture and their ancestors,” Vivori said.

The tribe did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Bonney Hartley, the Stockbridge-Munsee tribal historic preservation officer, told the Berkshire Eagle, “We are trying to step in and respectfully care for the ancestors and provide a dignified reburial for them, so they don’t remain on shelves at the museum and disturbed in their journey.”

The museum will hold the remains until the tribe is ready to take physical custody of them.

Revised federal regulations that…

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PITTSFIELD — The remains were found in the late 19th century. 

A tag indicated they were recovered at a river washout in “Springfield/Longmeadow,” and a forensic exam conducted by the University of Massachusetts in 1995 found they likely belonged to an adult and an adolescent.

The location suggests they could belong to any of a few different Native American tribes. They were donated to the Berkshire Athenaeum and went into the Berkshire Museum’s collection when the entities separated in 1932.

Now, nearly a century later, the museum has granted custody of the two sets of remains to the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians.

“Because we have standing, and it is part of our history in that area and we have kinship ties,” said Bonney Hartley, who is the tribal historic preservation officer for the tribe. “We are trying to step in and respectfully care for the ancestors and provide a dignified reburial for them, so they don’t remain on shelves at the museum and disturbed in their journey.”

Artifacts, all of which have been repatriated to the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohicans, are on display as part of a public exhibit at the Mission House in Stockbridge. 

EAGLE FILE PHOTO

The repatriation was part of a larger process that began in 1990 when a landmark federal law, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, ordered America’s museums and universities to return Native American cultural objects, including the remains of ancestors removed from their burial locations.

The long, slow process continues today, with the cataloging of thousands of items to find their rightful home, happening largely out of the spotlight.

“It’s more pervasive than most people are aware of, and not publicized because of the sensitives involved,” said Hartley, who works from the Stockbridge-Munsee office in Williamstown. “We…

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Exploring the Granite State: A Glimpse into New Hampshire’s Rich History

Nestled in the heart of New England, New Hampshire boasts a history as rugged and enduring as its famed granite formations. From its early indigenous inhabitants to its pivotal role in America’s fight for independence, the state’s past is a tapestry of struggle, innovation, and progress.

Indigenous Roots and Colonial Encounters

Long before European settlers set foot on its soil, New Hampshire was home to various Algonquian-speaking tribes, including the Pennacook and Abenaki. The region’s abundant resources fostered a rich native culture steeped in the rhythms of nature.

The 17th century marked the arrival of English explorers, with the first permanent settlement established at present-day Portsmouth in 1623. Named after the English county of Hampshire, the fledgling colony soon became a hotbed of fishing, timber, and trade.

Revolution and Statehood

The spark of revolution ignited in New Hampshire, with its residents among the first to push back against British rule. The state’s decisive ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788 underscored its commitment to the new nation, becoming the ninth state to join the Union.

Industrialization and Beyond

The 19th century saw New Hampshire transition from agrarian roots to industrial might, with mills and factories harnessing the power of its rivers. This era of growth laid the groundwork for the diverse economy and vibrant culture that characterize the state today.

FAQ:

Q: When did New Hampshire become a state?
A: New Hampshire became the ninth state to join the Union on June 21, 1788.

Q: What are some key historical figures from New Hampshire?
A: Notable figures include Daniel Webster, a prominent statesman and orator, and Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States.

Definitions:

– Algonquian-speaking tribes: A group of Native American peoples speaking related languages and living in the northeastern region of North America.
– Ratification: The formal approval…

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Exploring the Mysterious Lore of Minnesota: Local Myths and Urban Legends

Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, is not only rich in natural beauty but also in folklore. From eerie ghost stories to strange creatures lurking in the woods, the state has its fair share of myths and urban legends that continue to fascinate and chill the spines of locals and visitors alike.

The Legend of the Wendigo
One of the most chilling tales is that of the Wendigo, a malevolent creature stemming from the beliefs of the Algonquian-speaking peoples. This mythical monster, associated with cannibalism and insatiable greed, is said to roam the forests of the northern part of the state, preying on the unwary.

The Haunting of Grey Cloud Island
Grey Cloud Island, located in the Mississippi River near Cottage Grove, is another hotspot for supernatural lore. With a history of Native American burial grounds and rumored hangings, the island is said to be haunted by various spirits. Witnesses have reported ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises, making it a favorite destination for paranormal enthusiasts.

The Mystery of the Kensington Runestone
On a historical note, the Kensington Runestone has been a source of intrigue since its discovery in 1898. This stone slab, allegedly inscribed by Norse explorers in the 14th century, suggests that Vikings may have traveled further into North America than previously thought. However, its authenticity remains hotly debated among scholars.

FAQ:
Q: What is an urban legend?
A: An urban legend is a modern genre of folklore comprising fictional stories rooted in local popular culture, often with a twist of horror or mystery.

Q: Are these myths and legends based on real events?
A: While some urban legends may be inspired by real events or historical accounts, they are generally considered to be fictional or embellished stories passed down through generations.

Q: Can visitors…

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Exploring the Indigenous History of Connecticut

Connecticut, known for its rolling landscapes and rich colonial history, also holds a deep indigenous past that predates European settlement by thousands of years. The state was originally inhabited by various Algonquian-speaking tribes, including the Pequot, Mohegan, Niantic, and the Wampanoag.

Pre-Colonial Era and Tribal Dynamics

Before the arrival of Europeans, these tribes lived in autonomous villages, each with its own distinct culture, political systems, and spiritual beliefs. They engaged in agriculture, fishing, and hunting, shaping a landscape that European colonists would later encounter and transform.

European Contact and Its Aftermath

The 17th century marked a turning point with the arrival of Dutch and English settlers. The Pequot War (1636-1637) and King Philip’s War (1675-1676) were pivotal conflicts that drastically reduced the indigenous population and led to the loss of traditional lands. The aftermath saw many Native Americans being displaced, enslaved, or assimilated into colonial society.

Preservation and Recognition

Today, the state officially recognizes five tribes, and efforts are ongoing to preserve the languages, traditions, and histories of Connecticut’s indigenous peoples. This includes educational programs and the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in historical narratives.

FAQs:

Q: What tribes are native to Connecticut?
A: The Pequot, Mohegan, Niantic, and Wampanoag are among the tribes native to Connecticut.

Q: How did European colonization affect the indigenous peoples of Connecticut?
A: European colonization led to warfare, displacement, disease, and the loss of traditional lands for Connecticut’s indigenous peoples.

Definitions:

– Algonquian-speaking tribes: Groups of Native American peoples who speak languages belonging to the Algonquian language family.
– Pequot War: A conflict between the Pequot tribe and English colonists that resulted in the near destruction of the Pequot.
– King Philip’s War: A war between several indigenous groups and English settlers, which resulted in significant casualties and loss of autonomy for the indigenous peoples.

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Unearthing Virginia’s First Inhabitants

Archaeological evidence and historical records have long suggested that before European settlers made their mark, Virginia was home to a diverse group of Native American tribes. These indigenous peoples are considered the first to live in what is now known as Virginia, with a history that stretches back thousands of years.

Native American Tribes: Virginia’s Original Settlers

The Algonquian-speaking tribes, such as the Powhatan Confederacy, are some of the most well-documented groups that inhabited the coastal regions of Virginia. Inland, Siouan-speaking tribes like the Monacan and the Mannahoac, as well as Iroquoian-speaking groups such as the Nottoway, occupied the area. These tribes established complex societies, engaged in trade, and developed rich cultural traditions long before the arrival of English colonists in 1607.

Archaeological Discoveries Shed Light on Ancient Virginia

Recent archaeological findings have provided a window into the lives of these early Virginians. Excavations at sites like Werowocomoco, the Powhatan chiefdom’s central place, have unearthed artifacts that offer insights into their way of life, social organization, and the challenges they faced.

FAQ:

Q: Who were the first inhabitants of Virginia?
A: The first inhabitants of Virginia were various Native American tribes, including the Algonquian, Siouan, and Iroquoian-speaking peoples.

Q: What evidence do we have of these early Virginians?
A: Evidence includes archaeological findings such as tools, pottery, and settlement remains, as well as historical records from European explorers and settlers.

Definitions:

Archaeological evidence: Material remains of past human life and activities that are studied to understand historical cultures.
Native American tribes: Indigenous peoples of the Americas who lived in various cultural groups before European colonization.
Powhatan Confederacy: A group of Native American tribes during the 16th and 17th centuries that were part of a powerful chiefdom in what is now Virginia.

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Language a sacred asset for all cultures

More than once, I’ve been asked, “Do you speak Indian?” It’s like asking, “Do you speak European?”

It’s estimated that over 500 Indigenous languages and dialects were spoken in North America before the arrival of the first Europeans “Algonquian, reclaimed,” LI Life, Nov. 12].

Unfortunately, due to the efforts of our government, missionaries and other organizations, many Indian languages were lost over the centuries.

However, several government programs have been implemented to help revitalize Indian languages and cultures, as well as improve educational opportunities within Native American and Alaska Native communities.

As with all cultures, language is a vital asset and is sacred. It defines who people are, where they came from, and their value systems.

These programs will produce new generations of Indian speakers who will encourage others to learn the Indigenous languages. It will be celebrated and revitalized.

— Chet Lukaszewski, Huntington

The writer taught a high school American Indian Studies course.

Wind projects need to get things going

It is to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s credit that after causing major offshore wind projects to derail, she is trying to get them back on track as quickly as possible [“New wind projects facing increased cost scrutiny,” News, Nov. 6].

Having these same developers re-bid in an economically feasible manner would save redoing years of preparation, including construction in process.

Could different companies make more attractive bids? It’s possible, but the longer these projects take to go into effect, the longer it will take for us to see energy cost savings from them.

Transitioning from Long Island’s principally gas-powered electric grid to a clean one cuts the risks of pollution to our health and environment, both costly.

Of course, developers aren’t going to help us meet our climate goals out of the goodness of their hearts. Their companies do have to make a profit. But they can…

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