Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council election: who's running?

MASHPEE — As Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council election approaches, 11 candidates are running for six available seats.

Two of the original 13 candidates dropped out of the race, including Fenton Soliz and Marlon Graham.

The election, which will be held at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Community & Government Center on Feb. 12, will fill seats currently held by Nelson Andrews Jr., Yvonne Frye Avant, Edwina Johnson-Graham, Rita Pocknett-Gonsalves, Domingo Tiexeira, and Aaron Tobey, according to the Tribe's website.

Frye Avant will not run for re-election. Each seat is a four-year term.

Andrews, Johnson-Graham, Pocknett Gonsalves, and Tiexeira will all run for re-election. Edward Avant, Steven Bingham, Jr., Nitana Hicks Greendeer, Cecilia Martinez, Suzette Peters Mattis, Roxanne Mills, and Winona Pocknett, are certified to join the race.

Polls will be open 2 to 4 p.m.; but will open at 1 p.m. for tribal elders and those who are disabled.

Chairman said range of Tribal Council candidates gives tribal members options

For Brian Weeden, chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, said the tribe is fortunate to have a robust slate of candidates for the upcoming election and hopes tribal members can learn as much as they can about the candidates.

The Tribal Council, Weeden said, is taking on a tremendous number of projects that range from housing to health care to other essential services and economic development.

"The strength of those on the Tribal Council is essential to the work that's being done," said Weeden.

Are you registered to vote?

In order to vote, tribal members, 18 years or older, are required to complete a voter registration form on or before Feb. 12, Peters said. Voter registration forms can be obtained at the Government Center.

We asked the council candidates to provide information about their background, experience and priorities if elected. They are in alphabetical order.

Nelson Andrews

Formerly a section chief for the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA, Nelson Andrews, Jr. or "Red Turtle," is now director of the Tribe's Emergency Management Department ― a department he helped found. Andrews also serves as vice president of the Tribe's Community Development Corporation.

Andrews said in a statement he also serves as the chair of the United South and Eastern Tribes Homeland Security and Emergency Services Committee and sits on the Tribal Radioactive Materials Transportation Executive Committee.

If he's re-elected, Andrews said he wants to help ensure the health, safety, security and well-being of all tribal members, and establish an education program for tribal elders and youth.

"I want to work on a plan for health care, mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness," he said. "I also want to enhance health and social services department, and increase budgets for police and security to enhance safety."

Andrews also hopes to install additional grant writers to help all tribal operations; and create full-time paid gaming authority and Community Development Corporation positions as well as full-time Tribal Council seats.

"This will allow more time to focus on tribal growth and needs as other successful tribes have created," he said.

Edward Avant

A martial arts instructor, Edward Avant served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years ― first as a security forces member and then a computer technician.

After he retired, he also worked within the United States federal civil service, and is the administrative officer for the Tribe's Indian Health Services. Throughout his career, he has gained experience working with HIPPA, security, and information technology. Throughout his lifetime, Avant said in a statement., he earned a bachelor of science, two master’s degrees and a Capstone Doctor of Computer Science.

"I understand that this isn't all about education, but mainly common sense and being able to compromise," he said in a statement. "Group dynamics is critical to any success on a tribal level."

Steven Bingham, Jr.

Steven "Eastwind" Bingham Jr., of the Beaver and Turtle Clan, described himself as a God-fearing man, husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin and soon to be elder who loves the Wampanoag Nation.

If he wins a Tribal Council seat, Bingham said in a statement, he hopes to help build, support and encourage tribal members to work together to find success in every aspect of tribal life.

"I truly believe that if we cooperate with one another ― laying down our differences and issues that there’s nothing that together we cannot achieve," he said. "I have always had the vision and ability to see our capabilities and creative wisdom to maximize our potential towards greatness."

Roxanne Mills Brown

Roxanne Mills Brown, daughter of Earl Mills, or Chief Flying Eagle, said in a statement she's looking forward to working with a new Tribal Council, if elected.

"I'm running for Tribal Council as a change agent, to represent all Mashpee Wampanoags, and to advocate at the local, state, and federal levels," said Mills Brown. "I seek to bring positive energy, a traditional voice, and a wealth of personal and professional experience to the table."

Mills said wellness, healthy children and families is important to her, along with the recovery of tribal lands. She hopes to engage in areas like tribal housing, and economic development. Mills also hopes to strengthen enrollment requirements, and adopt a higher standard of ethics for those with leadership positions.

"The commitment (to Tribal Council) is great and the work is never ending but I remember the sacrifices and legacies of the ancestors, while working for the perpetuation of all things good ― for the people and the next seven generations," she said.

Rita Pocknett Gonsalves

For the last four years on Tribal Council, Rita Pocknett Gonsalves said she's centered her attention on Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance or TERO. The ordinance ensures that employers engaged in business on tribal reservations, give preference to qualified Native Americans in hiring. Under TERO, Pocknett Gonsalves said she created a fee schedule, which is used to finance operational costs and program services for the tribe.

"I reviewed the incoming process of a new hire and saw there was a competent Native American that met the requirements of the job and was not hired," she said. "The outcome was a re-hire for that position with a qualified Wampanoag tribal member."

Under her leadership, Pocknett Gonsalves said the Tribal Council also created a code of conduct, and a tribal response to corruption.                          

With 30 years of experience in health care and her experience as Tribal Council member, Pocknett Gonsalves said she prioritizes customer service, communication, and accessibility.

Edwina "Winnie" Johnson-Graham

Edwina “Winnie” Johnson-Graham, of Mashpee said she's passionate about her tribal family and homeland and is an advocate for tradition.

For 14 years, Johnson-Graham has been a Tribal Council member, and currently serves as a liaison to a spectrum of committees including the Community Development Corporation, the Powwow Committee, the Indian Education Parent Committee, and the Elders Judiciary Committee.

"Our Tribe needs us to give back our time and talent and I enjoy serving," she said.

Johnson-Graham also sits on the Massachusetts Cultural Council; the board of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition; and is secretary of the Department of Transitional Assistance Advisory Board. Johnson-Graham also joined the Mashpee’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Committee and is vice chair of the Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee.

Johnson-Graham said she sees a bright future if all Tribal Council members can work together and serve with heart and integrity.

"If re-elected, I will keep our traditions alive in every decision I make," she said. "It’s been my honor to serve you all and hope you will let me continue to give back in a meaningful way."

Nitana Hicks Greendeer

A speaker of Wôpanâak, an Algonquian-based language, Nitana Hicks Greendeer works for the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project as the interim director, and is head of Weetumuw School. In addition to teaching community language classes, Hicks Greendeer also leads ribbon skirt classes.

Previously the Tribe’s education director, Hicks Greendeer also helped secure money for tribal education and language departments, she said in a statement.

If she wins a Tribal Council seat, Hicks Greendeer said, she will work on mental and physical health programming, and will foster a culture of knowledge centering self-esteem, relationships, education, employment, and personal aspirations and talents."We deserve leaders who understand that sovereignty will only be realized if we are careful in the steps we take to get there," Hicks Greendeer said. "We might not always agree with (Tribal) Council decisions, but we need to trust that they are acting in our collective best interest."

Cecilia Martinez

With a background in municipal service, Cecilia Martinez is an Enrollment Committee member for the tribe's Enrollment Department; and is vice president of the Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project.

Born and raised in Mashpee, Martinez said she values the land and her people, and understands the need for the Tribal Council to serve with integrity and trust. Safe, affordable housing; addiction services; and professional interactions will guide her service, she said.

"I understand the importance of knowing my fellow tribal members," she said in a statement. "I will be available to my brothers and sisters and will continue to serve our tribe as I always have. With an eye to upholding tribal policies and laws and doing so with respect for each citizen."

Domingo Tiexeira

As a Tribal Council incumbent, Domingo Tiexeira said he's been working as the appointed liaison to the Tribe's Housing Department, where he contributed to the completion of the First Light Wampanoag Homes project.

With expertise as a construction site foreman and supervisor, Tiexeira also helped remodel Hooppole Road Home, a substance abuse recovery house that hasn't yet opened.

"In the short time (on Tribal Council), I’ve made real progress for our people and humbly ask for the opportunity to continue what I’ve started," he said.

Tiexeira also sits on the Tribe's Enrollment Committee, and is Council liaison to the city of Taunton for government-to-government relations surrounding the Gaming Authority.

"Giving back to our people is a priority for me and my family," said Tiexeira.

Suzette Peters Mathis

Suzette Peters Mathis, who grew up in Mashpee, said she's been involved in tribal affairs her entire life, and sat on the Powwow Committee; the Enrollment Committee, the Wampanoag Ball Committee and the Indian Education Parent Committee. Professionally, Peters Mathis is a licensed optician and manages Target Optical in Wareham. With her husband, Keniel Mathis she owns KDM Home Improvement.

"My many years of working with the public in a managerial role and as a business owner, will bring my experience of personnel, public relations, budgeting and reporting skills to the Council table," she said. "

Peters Mathis said she was inspired to run for Tribal Council after watching her mother, Yvonne (Frye) Avant, serve on the Council for about 30 years. If she's elected, she hopes to focus on myriad issues including efforts to build a tribal-run casino; fostering economic development; improving Elder Services; and establishing additional youth programs. "I grew up around Council meetings and saw the importance of giving back to the community and making decisions for our Tribe as a whole," she said. "Being fair, honest and uncompromised is what you can expect from me."

Winona Pocknett

As the daughter of the late Horace Pocknett and Grace (Hicks) Pocknett, Winona Pocknett said she's proud to be from two strong tribal families. Pocknett graduated from Falmouth High School in 1993 and attended Cape Cod Community College's Criminal Justice Program.

After college, Pocknett worked with mentally challenged clients for many years. She is now the staff accountant for the Tribe's Finance Department. In 2021, Pocknett began research and data collection for a broadband infrastructure deployment grant, which came to fruition in 2022, awarding $9.1 million to the Tribe.

"This is such a great opportunity that will benefit all of our families," she said. "I will not stop here! My hope is for all tribal members to come home and gain substantial employment as we build upon our tribal sovereign self-determination."

Pocknett, who was born and raised in Mashpee, said she thrives off the knowledge of the elders, and will always strive to bring great opportunities to her people through those teachings.

"I believe by working together, and providing a positive example, we can show our youth how we can and should get our work done," she said. "Our ancestors fought for what is right. They did it with dignity and pride and they were successful."

Contact Rachael Devaney at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Eleven hopefuls are vying for six slots on the Mashpee Tribal Council