Background, Mission and Work
Slow Turtle and Burne
The Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA), was founded in 1989 by Burne Stanley-Peters and her late husband John Slow Turtle Peters. At the time, Slow Turtle was the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs (a state agency) and they both saw many of the needs of Native American communities and families in the Commonwealth going unmet. Additionally, they found there was a lack of knowledge about culture and traditions that wasn’t being exhibited or shared broadly, as well as a lack of understanding about Native American issues and concerns among the general public that needed to be addressed. Before you knew it, Burne had researched and completed Form 1023 and submitted it to the IRS. Several months later, the MCNAA received official 501(c)(3) status.
Our mission is to provide opportunities for the expression and preservation of Native American cultural traditions; to assist Native American residents with essential basic needs and educational expenses; to advance public knowledge and understanding that helps dispel inaccurate information about Native Americans; and to work towards racial equality across the region.
The organization is led by a seven-member Board of Directors that includes Dawn Duncan, Claudia Fox Tree, Kim Orben, Anthony Silva and Burne Stanley-Peters (there are currently 2 vacancies); and a five-member Advisory Council - Eva Blake, Erin McCormack, Autaquay Peters-Mosquera, and Kate Yeomans. (There is one vacancy.)
We are passionate about our mission and the work we do. We hope you will join in and support our efforts as we continue our journey forward.
We accomplish our mission with the following programs and services:
Cultural-Traditional Arts Program
The Traditional Arts Program provides opportunities for cultural expression and public engagement which include a number of initiatives that serve as forums for Native artisans, craft makers, dancers, singers, and storytellers. These events are a blend of culture, traditions & history which brings awareness about authentic Native American traditions and invites audiences to participate in our rich cultural heritage.
Public Education-Social Change Program
The Public Education-Social Change Program hosts quality educational workshops, lectures and panel discussions to advance knowledge and awareness among the broader community about Native American history, traditions, and issues of concern. The program includes social change initiatives that address racial injustices and stereotypes.
Social Assistance Program
The Social Assistance Program provides funds for food, heating bills and other basic necessities for low-income Native American elders and families.
Scholarship & Educational Resources Program
The Scholarship & Educational Resources Program provides low-income Native American students with funds for college-related expenses, vital educational resources, and culturally-sensitive mentoring.
Youth Cultural Enrichment Program
The Youth Cultural Enrichment Program, named in honor of the late Slow Turtle who was the Supreme Medicine Man of the Wampanoag Nation, offers cultural enrichment activities and gatherings for children and youth. Activities include listening to Indigenous storytelling; engaging in projects on regalia making, hand drum construction, traditional beading and hand weaving. Each activity includes learning tribal history and accurate cultural information related to the project.
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