Happy New Year Everyone! We are excited by the momentum with which we are entering the new year and grateful you are with us on this journey. We are dedicated to providing places and opportunities to build bridges between the tribal and non-tribal communities in this area. Looking back at 2017, one such event was in November when Melody Walker Brook spoke about “The Light Behind Our Eyes: Abenaki Perspectives On Personhood” guiding us to comprehend the indigenous worldview. It was very inspiring. We have so much to learn and share! In February author and Professor Drew Lopenzina captivated the standing-room-only crowd with “William Apess, Standing Rock and the 1833 Mashpee Resistance” which drew parallels between both non-violent actions. We were blessed and honored at the Day of Remembrance in May by the presence of Abenaki Medicine Man Tom Beck who led a pipe ceremony.  And no one who was at the Pocumtuck Homelands Festival will forget the appearance of a double rainbow behind Hawk Henries while he was playing his flute and we watched an eagle fly through it! We have much to be grateful for as 2017 comes to an end and the New Year is carrying the inspiration of our shared successes, mutual commitment and universal promise. Thank you for being part of this wonderful community. Here are a few upcoming programs to look forward to in 2018: Saturday, March 3, Native American Cooking Demonstration with Elizabeth James-Perry and Leah Hopkins of the Aquinnah Wampanoag, Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague, MA. Saturday, May 19, Day of Remembrance: Commemoration of the 342nd Anniversary of the Great Falls Massacre, Great Falls Discovery Center, Montague, MA  We are planning a day of activities highlighted by a presentation by Doug Harris, Preservationist for Ceremonial Landscapes and Deputy Narragansett Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.  KEYNOTE PRESENTATION BEGINS 1 P.M. We are allowing time before and after for visitors to tour this battlefield area near what was once Great Falls (Peskeompskut) for personal reflection and historical perspective. Saturday, August 4, 5th Annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: A Celebration of Native American Art, Music, and Culture, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Unity Park in Montague, MA. The riverside festival is a joyous community event appealing to all ages. Additional programs are being planned.  All events are free and everyone is welcome. And, we welcome volunteers.

Our Mission

The mission of the Nolumbeka Project is to promote a deeper, broader and more accurate depiction of the history of the Native Americans/American Indians of New England before and during European contact and colonization;   To protect and preserve sites sacred to, and of historic value to, the Native Americans/American Indians of New England; to create and promote related educational opportunities, preservation projects and cultural events; and to work in partnership, as much as possible, with the tribes.   We will strive to exemplify the Native American/American Indian 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.

Who We Are

The Nolumbeka Project, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of Native Americans/American Indians of New England through educational programs, art, history, music, heritage seed preservation and cultural events. We are actively building, maintaining and expanding an historical archive research library for use by the Tribes and Educators of the Northeast and beyond. Our Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who have been active for more than 40 years in a number of other preservation, historical research, environmental and social justice organizations.  Several of our Board members are of mixed Native American  /American Indian heritage.