The natural history of the Mystic River and the surrounding watershed is inextricably intertwined with the history of the indigenous peoples of this area. The Mystic River watershed was home to the Pawtucket, Massachusett, and Nipmuc tribes before colonists arrived in the 1600’s. We currently reside on this stolen land. The name “Mystic” comes from the term that these tribes used for the river -- “Missi-Tuk,” which means “great tidal river.”
As the herring begin to return down the Mystic River as part of their annual migration, we reflect on the deep relationship that tribes of Eastern Massachusetts have with the local rivers and their inhabitants.
River herring have long been an important food resource for native people in this area. As a tradition, each year the Mashpee Wampanoag people watch the birds as a sign of the herring’s return. A Herring Day celebration at the beginning of the migration signifies the start of a new year and an opportunity to teach the next generation about the importance of the herring to tribal traditions.
The indigenous peoples of this area were the original herring monitors and stewards of the Mystic River. They deeply understood the importance of the health of the river and the surrounding lands and estuaries to the herring life cycle, and thereby the health of their tribes.
As we enjoy and explore the Mystic River, we should acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Pawtucket, Massachusett, and Nipmuc people and carry with us the lesson that the health of our environment and our well-being are linked.
Resources
Find out what native land you reside on: https://native-land.ca
Check out this great resource on Indigenous Peoples Day Events compiled by Indigenous Peoples Day MA and Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day. There are many great events happening all around Massachusetts!
