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.
MassLive will publish profiles of these leaders through 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.
Cheryl Toney Holley. (Courtesy photo)Cheryl Toney Holley
Cheryll Toney Holley
Age: 61
Community: Worcester
Her story: Cheryll Toney Holley is the Sonksq, or female leader, of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band and the co-founder of the Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation. Both of her parents came from the Nipmuc tribe, with her mother from the Hassanamisco Nipmuc and her father from the Chaubunagungamaug Nipmuc, but she said it was her aunt Dolly and grandfather Walter who introduced her to the community.
Toney Holley began volunteering for the tribe when the community was petitioning the government for federal recognition in the early 2000s. She said she worked on any committee she was put on.
“I learned through volunteering and listening to what it meant to be not only Nipmuc but how to be part of a community and how to contribute to the community,” Holley said.
In 2013, she was chosen as Sonksq, and in that position, she advocates for economic and social justice in the community. This includes producing and distributing healthy foods, supporting Nipmuc artists, pursuing opportunities to secure land for the tribe and promoting cultural education.
In addition, Toney Holley, a former nurse, was one of the original founders of the Nipmuc Women’s Health Coalition, the first Massachusetts organization to advocate for culturally appropriate healthcare for Indigenous people. She is also a former member of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, the former director of the Hassanamisco Indian Museum, a member of the Worcester Black History Project, a professional researcher, writer, speaker and genealogist, and a mother of four and grandmother of eight.
In her words: “Listen to the elders, those that are recognized by the community at large. Take the time to know our community, and ask how you can best serve the community. You do have great ideas, but ask first how those ideas can best serve the community.”
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.
