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A Visist to Massasoits Village Pokanoket at Sowams

Ruth Major "A Visit to Massasoit's Village, Pokanoket at Sowams, c.1620"

Our History

The Pokanoket (anglicized) meaning “land at the clearing”.  At the time of the first contact with Europeans, the Pokanoket were the headship tribe of a Confederation of more than 60 tribes, bands, and clans throughout Southern New England. Under the inherited leadership of the Massasoit, or “great leader” Massasoit Ousamequin, the Pokanoket welcomed the English at Plymouth.

 

However, after devastating epidemics weakened the Confederacy, the Pokanoket were forced from their lands by encroachment and war. Enslavement and exile followed, through centuries of official and unofficial persecution. Nevertheless, the Pokanoket Tribe has survived through four centuries of colonial occupation and are currently thriving. We openly share the richness of our culture and heritage and welcome the support and engagement of the broader community. 

The First People

Massasoit Ousamequin

Early Relationships

Massasoit

War, Exile, Slavery

War Exile Slavey

Historical Articles

Historical narratives can enlighten as well as distort our understanding of the past. The contemporary confusion between the words Pokanoket and Wampanoag is one such example that will be investigated in this article.  

Tribal Insignia

STAY CONNECTED

GET IN TOUCH

P.O Box 172

Barrington, RI 02809

contact@pokanokettribe.org

DISCLAIMER: The Pokanoket Tribe of The Pokanoket Nation is not affiliated in any way with the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe of the Pokanoket Nation, a nonprofit organization based in Rhode Island. The Pokanoket Tribe does not associate with, support, sponsor, endorse, or have any connection to the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe of the Pokanoket Nation, its members, leadership, or its nonprofit entities. This statement is intended to clarify that any claims of association between the two groups are false and not endorsed by the Pokanoket Tribe.

© 2025 by Pokanoket Tribe Pokanoket Nation

 

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