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A Wampanoag Perspective on History, Island Living, and Food

On Saturday, May 7th, at 3:30pm, the West Tisbury Library will host “A Wampanoag Perspective on History, Island Living, and Food” with David and Saskia Vanderhoop. David Two Arrows Vanderhoop is an Aquinnah Wampanoag elder and traditionalist, born and raised on Nôepe (Martha’s Vineyard). David and his wife Saskia Vanderhoop are the founders of Sassafras Earth Education, an indigenous organization that educates and develops LandCulture. In this presentation, David will offer a Land Acknowledgement, while Saskia will address reasons why this matters. David will speak truth to history on Nôepe, and address harm in day to day living and working on this indigenous island. Both will speak about connection with the land, stewardship and reciprocal relations with our mother the earth. David will address his reverence for the land, the foods it provides us with, and the place of food in his family of origin and his current family. 

At the end of the program, David will share a simple recipe, and the library will supply ingredients so you can make the recipe at home.

Free and open to the public. This program is supported by federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Mass. Board of Library Commissioners. 

David Two Arrows Vanderhoop, Aquinnah Wampanoag elder, was born and raised on the island of Nôepe, currently known as Martha’s Vineyard. David co-founded Sassafras Earth Education in 2003, a nonprofit organization located in Aquinnah. David is an avid hunter, fisherman, naturalist, and chef, he loves open fire cooking. David has organized and facilitated webinars and conferences on topics like decolonization, truth in history, cultural appropriation, racism, and acknowledging the role of first people in outdoor education and beyond. David is recognized in his Wampanoag community as a leader and holder of Wampanoag history, traditionalist knowledge and legends.

Saskia Vanderhoop was born and raised in the Netherlands, and she moved to the US in 1998 where she married David Vanderhoop, an Aquinnah Wampanoag. Together they founded Sassafras Earth Education in 2003, where she has worked for 20 years in multiple directive functions in both office and field. Saskia is a Nature Connection Mentor, educator, organizer, public speaker, and naturalist. She loves to work outdoors with people of all ages, and speaking truth to power. She is deeply committed to respecting the earth, the first people of this continent, and all peoples by creating a more balanced and equitable human experience.

Date

May 07 2022
Expired!

Time

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm