“When we talk about land, land is part of who we are. It’s a mixture of our blood, our past, our current, and our future. We carry our ancestors in us, and they’re around us. As you all do.” – Mary Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)
Roots & Wings is located at 317 North Main St. in Natick, MA, on unceded homeland of the Nipmuc people. Algonquian-speaking Nipmuc people have lived here for thousands of years and continue to today. They have lived on and protected the land extending through Massachusetts as well as parts of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Near Roots & Wings is Lake Cochituate, sacred water to the Nipmuc people and known as the "swift river".
As occupiers of this land we believe it is essential that we learn about and acknowledge our history of colonization, land-theft, genocide and the silencing and violence that continues today. As we learn, we ask you to learn as well. We believe it is imperative that all occupiers of land understand the history it carries and listen deeply to and amplify the voices of Indigenous people.
The Nipmuc tribe is one of the largest Native American nations in New England. You can learn more about Nipmuc people and their history and read about Nipmuc Nation and what is happening today.
Visit: Nimuc Nation and Nimuc Museam
Learn more and get involved:
- Explore the history of the land where you live, work and play. Understand the historical roots of this land as well as the history of the Indigenous people who first came to this land and where they are now.
- Learn more about local Indigenous communities and amplify the voices of Indigenous people.
- Support Indigenous organizations and encourage others to as well, by donating your time, money, and efforts.
- Work toward creating equity in wealth, land and power. Learn more and take action here