Good Afternoon, God
After reading this article in Atlas Obscura I was so moved that I wanted to share! The information is from Steven Peters who runs Smoke Sygnals, a Mashpee Wampanoag creative agency that has advised on numerous historical exhibits. OK! I am getting this information from someone who should know. And now they are not just labeled “Indians” they are known by their name — the Wampanoag Nation. Apparently they consisted of around 69 villages up and down New England with upwards of a few thousand per village. And they had a government structure with delegates that met regularly to make policies and rules for the best interest in everyone.
One more factor — one that made an empty village (Patuxet)for the Pilgrims — was the Great Dying. That began in 1616 right off of Patuxet with the landing of French fishing ship with a sick crew. Within 3 years over 100,000 Wampanoag were dead. I cannot even imagine the impact on the people.
But back to the arrival of the Pilgrims. First of all, how was there a “translator” Tisquantum to help the Pilgrims? It seems that Tisquantum had been captured as a slave in 1614 and sold in Spain, then going to England. How did a “slave” manage to return home in 1619? Such resourcefulness impressed me!
Next, how was it the Wampanoag Nation both let them stay AND helped them. Peters said that his people were having border incursions near Rhode Island from the Narragansett at that time and may have seen the Pilgrims as an ally. Still 90 warriors “visited” for three days — making a show of strength.
All of this delighted me. Now I have NAMES for these people — not LABELS! Names — groups names, and individual names tend to foster respect from one human being to another. LABELS TO NOT.
The next delight was that I was just now (at 84) LEARNING their names. This could not have happened without a sea change in how we are viewing indigenous peoples — but also a willingness to see and acknowledge the crimes of our ancestors. YES! YES! We are just beginning to see the extent of what we have done and are doing.
Sigh, I just talked again with a friend of many years whom I had unwittingly harmed. I say unwittingly. But, in looking back — I am appalled I hadn’t understood how harmful my actions were. Taking a good look at oneself — either as an individual or as a Nation — is not for cowards.
Aaah, I realize that seeing myself would be even closer to impossible if I did not perceive myself set in the context of Your Forgiving and Compassionate Love, God. You love me AS I AM . . . and only seem to desire me to love others AS THEY ARE. HARD?
But, the more I can see myself with Your Eyes . . . the more I can slowly develop a heart of compassion . . . for myself . . . and all the rest of us. Thank You.
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
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