They are the most famous Native Americans in the world because of their historic rescue of the Pilgrims and ultimately, ensuring the culmination of what would become the United States of America. The Wampanoag are indeed the “People of the First Light” and inhabited the majority of the northern east coast from Narragansett Bay and Pawtucket River to the Atlantic coast, including the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The Mashpee Wampanoag consituted a large population that dominated southestern Massachusetts and command a heritage predating American Independence by 125 years.

          The Wampanoag welcomed a gaunt and exhausted group of Pilgrims on November 9, 1620. When the Pilgrims settled, the tribe had approximately 30 villages. Chief Massasoit established a treaty of friendship with the settlers which he honored until his death. Indigenous traditions such as hunting, fishing and agriculture are the essential underpinning for the Wampanoag, and the tribe shared those skills and expertise with the Pilgrims to help them survive and flourish in their new home.

          The communal spirit of peace became the mantra for the Wampanoag and in 1621, the Tribe hosted the first Thanksgiving. When the early settlers decided to wander inland, it was the Wampanoag guided them into the uncharted land. For many years, those indigenous traditions served the tribal government’s primary source of income.