Wampanoag tribe's powwow shows extra spirit this year

MASHPEE -- The vendors were selling handmade jewelry, hot dogs, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, and the dancers were jumping to the beat of the tribal drum, as they have at previous tribal meetings. But there was a different vibe this year at the Mashpee Wampanoag's 86th annual powwow. After all, a lot had changed since the 85th.

"I wish my mother and father could see it," Milton Frye, an 85-year-old tribal member, said of the tribe's recent good fortunes.

In February, the Cape Cod-based tribe of about 1,460 members won official federal recognition, which will bring federal funding for housing, medicine, and education. Several months later, tribal officials detailed plans for building a $1 billion casino in Middleborough, which could infuse the tribe with more riches than they have ever seen.

"Having money is not a bad thing. Is it not the way of the world?" said Myrna Nuey, a 58-year-old tribal member. "We'd like our piece of the pie as well."

The tribe traces its roots to the early 16th century. According to legend, the Wampanoags greeted the Pilgrims in 1620 and participated in the first Thanksgiving the following year. Their members have fought in every American military conflict. Crispus Attucks, who may have had Wampanoag ancestry, has been considered by many to be the first casualty of the American Revolution. He was killed in the Boston Massacre .

But for years, the tribe has been operating on a tight budget, relying on proceeds from pasta dinners, fund-raisers, and the annual powwow.

Members of the tribe said they have struggled to make ends meet in Mashpee, and some have to work two or three jobs to pay their bills.

"We waited a long time to be recognized," said Lois Oakley, 76. "You keep fighting and you keep getting turned down, when we know what we are. Finally, they woke up."

The pride the tribe feels over federal recognition was palpable at yesterday's powwow. Vendors sold water bottles bearing the tribe's logo that said, "Federally recognized, February 2007." Others sold T-shirts depicting a group of Native Americans with weapons and a message that read, "Fighting Terrorism Since 1492."

But others said the federal status would change little about the tribe's sense of self-identity.

"It doesn't really mean anything to me," said Anita Peters, 57, whose tribal name is Mother Bear. "My parents all brought us up to be proud of who we were."

In May, tribal leaders outlined a plan to build a 150,000-square-foot casino with 4,000 slot machines and 125 gaming tables.

They anticipate $430 million in slot revenue if the casino opens, though they have pledged to add thousands of slot machines in the first years of operation to put the casino on par with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, which now average $850 million annually each in slot revenue.

Tribal members said yesterday that they do not anticipate the casino being built in the near future, so they are focused on helping members take advantage of the federal grants for which the tribe now qualifies.

Alice Lopez, director of the tribe's housing department, said casino money could provide additional funds to convince tribe members to stay, and keep its culture going strong.

"I tried to move away once," Lopez said. "And I ran back real quick."

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com Cummings at ccumming@globe.com