[act-ma] WEDNESDAY: Change the Massachusetts Flag and Seal

[Cole Harrison]

Change the Massachusetts Flag and Seal
Wednesday, January 9 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm ~ Cambridge Friends Meeting, 5
Longfellow Park (off Brattle St)
[image: Massachusetts Flag analysis]

*Take Note: Location Changed!*

In the year 1675 English colonists beheaded Metacom, the supreme sachem of
the Wampanoag people. For years afterwards his head was displayed on a pike
in the town center of Plymouth. Four centuries later, the state of
Massachusetts embraces that history of genocide through their state flag
and seal where the sword of Miles Standish still hangs above the Native
people’s head. The policies to push aside and disinherit Native people of
their lands also continue in the state of Massachusetts, as the Wampanoag
tribe of Mashpee have been targeted to have their tribal reservation taken
out of federal trust. This would be the first time in over 80 years that a
native reservation would be terminated.

The sword over the head of Native people of Massachusetts draws from the
literal history of colonization, and the metaphorical symbol depicts the
continued threat to Native peoples land in this state as less than one half
of one percent of native peoples’ territories remain in Native hands. How
can Native people expect justice in a court, in a state, from an officer,
who hail a flag with the symbols of genocide and oppression? How can Native
people expect a change in policy to eliminate their existence if they
cannot see a simple change in the state flag?

The time is now! With the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing
approaching in 2020, it’s time to change the Massachusetts Flag and Seal.

The bloody wars of 17th Century New England forged the American approach to
warfare and conquest which still prevails today in our nation’s global
military footprint and continual invasions of other countries. Symbolism is
important. Let’s change the Massachusetts flag and seal to one depicting
peace and reconciliation rather than conquest.

The event will share information about a developing campaign to change the
flag and seal, including legislation to be filed in the State Legislature
in January and a town meeting campaign. We will also learn about the Trump
administration’s challenge to Mashpee Wampanoag sovereignty. Join us to
learn, discuss, and make plans!

Speakers:

*Jean-Luc Pierite*, president of the board of directors, North American
Indian Center of Boston <http://www.naicob.org/>

*Hartman Deetz*, Mashpee Wampanoag

*David Detmold*, organizer, Change the Massachusetts State Flag and Seal
Campaign <http://changethemassflag.com/>

*Kevin Peterson*, founder and director, The New Democracy Coalition
<http://www.thenewdemocracycoalition.org/>

*Elizabeth Solomon*, Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag
<https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/diversity/elizabeth-solomon/>

*Sponsored by* Massachusetts Peace Action, North American Indian Center of
Boston, and Cambridge Friends Meeting – Peace & Social Concerns Committee

-- 
*"Not one step back"*

Cole Harrison
Executive Director
Massachusetts Peace Action - the Commonwealth's largest grassroots peace
organization
11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138
617-354-2169 w
617-466-9274 m
www.masspeaceaction.org
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