Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas Speaks to Students About Narragansett Tribe History

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas of the Narragansett Indian Tribe honored 1st through 5th grade students at Matunuck Elementary with a presentation on tribal history and culture on October 6th.

Chief Sachem Thomas introduced himself as e nada wushawunun, "Seventh Hawk," in the language of the Narragansett. In partial tribal regalia, the chief explained that the wild turkey feathers in his headdress reflected high respect for the turkey, as echoed by American families everywhere during Thanksgiving. The Chief's traditional dress also featured a belt strung with white shell beads, wampum, that were used in trading. And he showed students a fan made especially for him from the wing of . . . a hawk.

The Chief displayed many artifacts, explaining their origins, uses and special significance to the Narragansett, and illuminating the context of each in the students' world today. The peace pipe, for example, was used as a means of prayer with kinnikinnick, tobacco (which is not to be abused). Weaponry used in past inter-tribal conflicts that had to be settled through war included a shield from a snapping turtle’s shell, and a tomahawk—a hammer—made of stone. Everything the Indians had, the Chief explained, came from the earth—much as most everything children have today comes from the earth in some way.

Continuing to relate tribal traditions to the students' world, the Chief presented a "talking stick" which is used to confer the right to speak upon the holder. It indicates the listener's respect for the speaker, just as the raised hand in school does today.

The kids' favorite parts were obvious: murmurs and whispers and the occasional squeal sounded whenever they were invited to touch or hold some special item from the Chief’s large black duffel. They reached out to feel the shells on the wampum belt, and stroke an otter skin that is wrapped around the head as a hat.

But the loudest ooh's and aah's greeted a wooden staff . . . with the head of an eagle perched on top. Made for the Chief Sachem to celebrate his ten years as tribal leader, he expressed pride in the honor conferred upon him. The eagle, he explained, is protected by federal law—only special dispensation allows such rare ceremonial use by the Narragansett.

He went on to compare the Chief Sachem's role in the Narragansett Indian Tribe with the President's in the United States. The Narragansett are also governed by a medicine man and a nine-member council. The tribe celebrated its 333rd annual powwow this year; the majority of its population of approximately 2,300 members live in Rhode Island, but some live in other states and countries, and many return to gather in Charlestown in August each year.

Then the Chief Sachem answered questions, such as: Is a hawk dangerous? Must Indians kill the animals they use to adorn their clothes? Do you always wear that medallion? The session concluded with students expressing their thoughts on what they had learned about the Narragansett in journals made to capture their reactions to presentations throughout the year.

Large in stature, measured and clear in speech, sharing the most sacred of his tribe’s artifacts, Chief Sachem Thomas embodied his final message to Matunuck students: I welcome all of you to our tribal events and celebrations.

(The Chief also gave a special demonstration to a few students outside the auditorium after his presentation, with NBC Channel 10's Michelle Brown and camera looking on. "I found it interesting because it’s very cool to have Chief Sachem in our school," said one of the students interviewed. NBC 10 reported the story, with video, here.)

By Jon Pincince & Rian Smith