With the recent snow storms—and with more storms forecasted- The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Emergency Management Task Force is working to strengthen community support for those who may need help.

To help coordinate volunteers, the Task Force has designated Councilwoman Winona Pocknett as the primary point of contact for anyone interested in volunteering.

Tribal members and community partners are encouraged to save the date for the Third Massachusetts Tribal & Indigenous Health Summit, taking place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

This year’s theme—“Stronger Together: Growing Inclusive State-Tribal Partnerships”—will focus on strengthening collaboration and improving systems that support Indigenous health and wellness across the Commonwealth.

The summit will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Marlborough, 75 Felton Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.

Registration details will be shared in 2026. For questions about the summit or to request accommodations, email DCE@mass.gov.

Tribal members and community members interested in building trades careers are invited to attend a Pre-Apprentice Program Information Session in Mashpee on Wednesday, February 4 at 11:00 AM (sharp) at the Mashpee Wampanoag Government Center.

This session is being hosted in partnership with Building Pathways South (BPS) and is powered by Vineyard Wind, with additional support from partners including First Light Casino and MANSA.

Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Participants can register through buildingpathwayssouth.com or by scanning the QR code on the flyer.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Education community is continuing to uplift and support young Tribal girls through Daughters of Tradition, an after-school program focused on sharing traditional knowledge and helping prepare daughters to grow into healthy, confident teens.

First Light Casino’s highly anticipated bar, First Light Bar, is set to open Friday, February 6, launching during one of the biggest weekends of the year and leading directly into the Championship Game on Sunday. The new space is designed to be intimate, efficient, and easy to enjoy. Service will include beer, wine, and a pre-mixed cocktails, with an emphasis on quality and speed of service for guests.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will host another Constitution Reform Community Input Session as part of the ongoing effort to review and strengthen the Tribe’s governing document. All Tribal members are encouraged to attend and share their input with the Constitution Reform Working Group.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Youth Council invites families to join them for a fun-filled Winter Wonderland Youth Ball—an afternoon of food, games, dancing, crafts, and more for our youngest community members.

The event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Community and Government Center, 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA 02649. Children 12 and under are welcome to attend.

Tribal members are invited to take part in a Talking Circle focused on the Mashpee River Fish Passage Project, an effort exploring the removal of the Mashpee River Fishway Dam and opportunities to restore fish passage, river health, and cultural connections to the Mashpee River.

This gathering will provide space to learn more about the project, share perspectives, and help shape a community vision for the future of the river.

After several years, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s Annual Ball is officially making its return in 2026, and planning is now underway for what has long been one of the Tribe’s most popular community celebrations.

As part of the planning process, the Tribe is inviting qualified DJs and event service providers to submit proposals to provide DJ services for the 2026 Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Ball, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at The Coonamessett in Falmouth.

The Native Land Conservancy is offering a series of free Cultural Arts Workshops this winter, open to Tribal friends of NLC. All materials are provided, and workshops are held over two consecutive evenings. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Parents and Elders are encouraged to register youth.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, in partnership with the Native Land Conservancy and the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department, invites the community to attend the 2026 Honor the Earth Fair on Saturday, April 18, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Community Center, 483 Great Neck Road South in Mashpee.

The Mittark has always been a place for the Mashpee Wampanoag community to stay connected — by sharing news, celebrating milestones, and honoring the people who make our Tribe strong. We invite Tribal members and families to help keep that spirit alive by submitting stories, updates, and announcements to be included in future issues.

Whether it’s a family milestone, a child’s achievement, an elder you would like to recognize, or a community event you want others to know about, your stories help strengthen the bonds that connect us as a people.