Land Conservation

The PPLT educates youth and other individuals about indigenous land stewardship, the sacred protection of mother earth and especially water resources. We provide public education with an American Indian consciousness reflecting historical perspectives, culture and agricultural practices, and spiritual values. We strive to exemplify the American Indian/indigenous peoples’ respect for Mother Earth and all living beings; to be mindful of our role as caretakers for future generations; and to honor our connection to the Earth and Sky and to the Creator. Workshops, ceremonies, artifact preservation and other educational signs will connect people to the natural resources of this land. Open hiking trails will also be available for recreation.

PPLT along with Global Village Farms, World Farmers and Somali Bantu Community Association are carrying out an outreach and conservation effort funded by USDA’s NRCS.

News March 2020:  PPLT is awarded Open Space Grant from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to restore properties at Sucker Brook (Tiverton, RI) to indigenous / communal ownership and stewardship.
See news article about the award here.

Youth

The PPLT educates youth about indigenous land stewardship, the sacred protection of mother earth and especially water resources.

We partner with Global Village Farms to educate youth about food systems.

Education

Education

We provide public education with an American Indian consciousness reflecting historical perspectives, culture and agricultural practices, and spiritual values. We strive to exemplify the American Indian/indigenous peoples’ respect for Mother Earth and all living beings; to be mindful of our role as caretakers for future generations; and to honor our connection to the Earth and Sky and to the Creator. We offer workshops, ceremonies, artifact preservation and other educational signs that connect people to the natural resources of this land.

Indigenous Roots Forever

The Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (MA-RI), Global Village Farms/Global Village at Tuck Away Farms (MA), World Farmers/Flat Mentors Farm, and Somali Bantu Community Association (ME) and community organizations throughout the region, shared experiences and information regarding indigenous land stewardship at the Virtual NOFA Summer Conference July 30 – August 6, 2021.

Stories of Sovereignty

Saturday July 31, 2:00-3:30pm

In this session, we will introduce you to the Eastern Woodlands peoples’ historical timeline from before colonization to the present day. We will travel through history to visit the past, present and future through the lens of the indigenous communities of the Northeast. Join us for a story-telling session that explains the significance of this history for understanding contemporary indigenous and tribal identity in greater New England.

Cultural and Spiritual Connections to Conservation

Sunday August 1, 2:00-3:30pm

What is the spiritual connection to Mother Earth and what is our spiritual vision for conservation? The conversation begins around the disconnections of our souls, our bodies and Pachamama-Ina-Mother Earth-Akna and will help you understand the North American indigenous peoples’ (Central America; South America; Pan-African) approach to modern day conservation efforts.

Skills Sharing (An Indigenous Approach to Garden Planting)

Monday August 2, 7:00-8:30pm

Connecting ourselves to ancestry and culture resources on where to find native plants and how to plant a garden. Some questions to be addressed: What plants are we planting to eat, to use as fiber and art, and what are we planting with the intention to give back with support for pollinators and birds? We will also touch upon practices in community building, seed savings, and root remembering.

Building Capacity through Organizing and Partnerships

Tuesday August 3, 7:00-8:30pm

Join us for a conversation about building regional partnerships. We will discuss where to find information from USDA-NRCS and illuminate the deadlines and resources available for program support for indigenous education and conservation efforts.

Seeds of Transformation

Thursday August 5, 7:00-8:30pm

A conversation about the future of farming, food justice, conservation, and sovereignty with youth volunteers of Global Village, Our Core and Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust.

Agreement with Twin River-Tiverton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POCASSET INDIANS SETTLE WITH TWIN RIVER-TIVERTON CASINO

Chief George Spring Buffalo of the Pocasset Tribe of the Pokanoket Nation (“Tribe”) announced today that the Tribe has entered into an Agreement with Twin River-Tiverton LLC to settle all matters relating to the development of the casino on lands of historical and cultural significance to the Pocasset Tribe.

Casino Agreement“We are excited to work together with Twin River-Tiverton in respect of the cultural and historical connection of this casino land to the Pocasset ancestors of the Tribe” said Chief Spring Buffalo. “The Casino is built on lands that were granted by the colonial government as the first Indian reservation in the United States, and near the site of an important battle in the King Philip War” Spring Buffalo added, “and this agreement respects the cultural significance of these lands, and the historical importance of the Pocasset Tribe. I want to thank Chief Duane Yellow Feather Shepard and Chief Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson and the support of the Tribal Council.”

Members of the present day Pocasset Tribe are the direct descendants of the Royal Family of the Pokanoket Nation, including Massasoit (also known as “Ousamequin”), the Sachem of the Pokanoket Nation who led his nation when the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Massasoit entered into a treaty with the Pilgrims in 1621 assuring the peaceful coexistence of the colonists and the Indians. Massasoit’s territory extended from the eastern tip of Cape Cod through southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island to the Connecticut River, and north to the Charles River. The Pocasset Tribe has never left its land and retained unbroken existence as a sovereign nation. The Pocasset Tribe has been recognized as the direct descendants of the original beneficiaries and heirs to certain lands in Fall River and Tiverton, and can prove so through well-documented history. There was a large and prosperous village of Indians throughout Tiverton, which previously was named ‘Pocasset’.

“Our history in Rhode Island is long and respected,” said Chief Spring Buffalo. “The Tribe itself has been a significant factor in the history of the formation of our country. There have been many books written about the Pocassets and its woman chief, Weetamoe, and all of the happenings surrounding the King Philips War, and our intent is to ensure that our culture and heritage shall be maintained in perpetuity.” Spring Buffalo added, “it is not our intent to kick anyone off their land where they live and work . . . we are asking that the governments correct the past injustices which they allowed to happen.”

For More Information Contact: Lesley S. Rich, Esq. 401-529-1191