Description: What does it mean to be happy? To be well? These are questions that all human beings seek answers to. In this workshop we engage in dialogue around the notion of happiness and well-being, their interconnections, and how these concepts are manifested historically and contemporarily in Wampanoag culture. Having lived in the region for over 12,000 years, Wampanoag people have developed sophisticated systems of medicinal, spiritual, emotional, and social well-being. We discuss this legacy in this workshop, as we also explore what participants do and want to do to seek out wellness and happiness. Participants will leave feeling more informed about concepts of well-being and happiness in Wampanoag culture.

Duration: 1 Hour (Can Adjust to Class Times)

Description: Since time immemorial, Wôpanâak people have shaped the world around us, leading to creations connected to the land, waterways, and our non-human relatives. From soapstone to wood, weaved mats of cedar and cattails, and more, come to learn about the world of Wôpanâak creations and material culture across time. Participants will have the opportunity to view and discuss historical and contemporary creations and their meanings throughout this workshop before engaging in an opportunity to discuss cultural boundaries and opportunities for collaboration or appreciation around creation. To conclude, we will get our hands busy and have an opportunity to create a belonging associated with the materials discussed that respects cultural boundaries. 

Duration: 1.5 Hours (Can Adjust to Class Times)

Description: In this workshop, students learn about the importance of paddles to coastal and inland waterway communities as well as how relatives and phenomena in the natural world influence the shape of a paddle. Students will have the opportunity to view images of archival and contemporary Algonquian paddles after learning about the reasons why particular shapes and woods are used. Students then engage in a conversation about culture, cultural boundaries, and what is important to their family, as we enter the final activity where students will design a paddle on paper for a setting they have in mind and shape it around cultural factors important to them. Towards the end, students have the opportunity to share about their designs. 

Duration: 50 - 60 Minutes

Description: How do Wampanoag people perceive and understand time? And what role do the seasons play in historical and contemporary Wampanoag cultural practices? In this workshop, students will learn about the answers to these questions and the Wampanoag relationship with the 13 moons. Students will then engage in conversations about their favorite seasons and what they mean to them. Afterwards, students will be read Carrie Anne Vanderhoop’s book, Wôpanâak Seasons. Finally, to conclude, students will be able to go outside and explore the seasonal changes, while we discuss certain changes that occur specific to every season. 

Duration: 50 - 60 Minutes

Description: This workshop dives into Wampanoag history across the last 500 years and is ideal for students in third and fifth grade as they engage with standards directly associated with Wampanoag history and culture. Students will engage in a workshop where they will be able to learn about history “from the land” and not “from the boat” using storytelling pedagogy, maps, and dialogue. Towards the end, students will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion to ask questions they have either prepared ahead of time or developed during their learning.

Duration: 1 Hour 

COMING SOON!
Description: It is critical to understand the land and waterways around you, and what has brought you to this place. Nôepe and Nâtucket are both Wôpanâak homelands and have been for thousands of years. In this workshop, participants will learn about that land and the waterways that both snake through it and surround us. This workshop will provide a Wampanoag history and future of the islands. As the two islands are explored, learn about the names they carry and their potential meanings. This workshop aims to dispel myths and misunderstandings of land ownership/use, Wampanoag history, continued existence, and more. Participants will also be discussing tribal sovereignty over these lands and waterways, and how that sovereignty has been maintained over time.

Duration: 1 Hour (Can Adjust to Class Times)