In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts. Profiles of these leaders are being published in November.
These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
David Two Arrows Vanderhoop is the founder of Sassafras Earth Education, a nonprofit that seeks to connect people with the earth and restore Indigenous ways of life.Courtesy of David Two Arrows Vanderhoop
David Two Arrows Vanderhoop
Age: 69
Community: Aquinnah Wôpanâak (on Martha’s Vineyard)
His story: David Two Arrows Vanderhoop was born in Gay Head (Aquinnah) in 1955, a then-small Wôpanâak community.
“We were raised living off the land and had to help with hunting, fishing, gathering during each different season,” he said. “Learning traditionalist skills and always being outside gave me many gifts and strengths that most youths today are missing.”
Vanderhoop founded the nonprofit Sassafras Earth Education in 2003 with his wife because they wanted to give children these opportunities, he said.
Sassafras Earth Education is on Aquinnah on the island of Nôepe. The organization’s mission is to “reconnect people with the Earth and restore Indigenous ways of life, cultivating responsibility, leadership, and truth,” he said.
Vanderhoop started to speak more about the genocide of the Wôpanâak tribe, he said. His organization also created pathways for social justice, truth and building cultural competency.
The organization now offers training for Indigenous adults and the general public, he said.
At Sassafras Earth Education there are two key initiatives. One of them is the Return to the Land and the LandCulture Project. This project is a decolonized educational program.
The LandCulture Project focuses on restoring ecosystems using traditional Indigenous knowledge and practices before colonization.
In his words: “A vitally important practice that I have for many years now, and that keeps me sane, is to sit on the land first thing in the morning. I greet grandfather sun, the birds, and all my relatives around. As a community leader, it is so important to keep our spirit healthy and strong and as people we often fall short in our own or in others eyes. Mother Earth always gives us love and encouragement unconditionally.”
We’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
