Mass. tribe ties to proposed casino site disputed
Published: July 23, 2009
MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass.—A historian hired by the town of Halifax has concluded that the Mashpee Wampanoag have no historical or cultural ties to the tribe’s proposed casino site in neighboring Middleborough.
According to Connecticut-based historian James Lynch, the Mashpee tribe “had no political or social presence within the town of Middleborough.“
Halifax, bordering Middleborough to the north, has opposed a proposal to build a $1 billion resort casino. Historical or cultural ties are one of the requirements for placing the 539-acre property in federal trust.
Aaron Tobey, vice chairman of the Mashpee Wampanoag’s Tribal Council, said he hasn’t read the report yet. He said the tribe is still pursuing its application and is committed to its targeted casino site in Middleborough.
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Reader Reactions
Halifax probably had to go to Connecticut to find someone who would ‘find’ the results they wanted.
No, the tribe had no historical ties to the town of Middleboro—since Middleboro was founded. But how about BEFORE Middleboro was founded?
Mr. Lynch—just how far back did you go? Not far enough, since the Wampanoags were here far earlier than the European settlers who founded Middleboro. Just what is your degree in? Bookreading?
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