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.
Larry Spotted Crow Mann, a Native American author, musician and storyteller of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc tribe. (Submitted photo)Courtesy of Larry Spotted Crow Mann
Larry Spotted Crow Mann
Age: 56
Community: Ashfield
His story: Larry Spotted Crow Mann, a citizen of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc tribe, was raised in Western and Central Massachusetts on the homelands of his ancestors. Long ago, that territory covered four states, he says. Today, the tribe owns about four acres in Grafton.
Spotted Crow Mann is an author, musician and storyteller who says his mission is “to ensure the next generation of Native children have the opportunity, platform, and resources to have academic success while also embracing their cultural heritage with pride.”
“Being able to ‘see’ themselves in the course work, and not as a stereotype, is a crucial step for early childhood development,” he said. “Not just for Native children, but for all youth to learn, appreciate and build a healthy appreciation for diversity.”
Spotted Crow Mann is a co-founder of the Ohketeau Cultural Center in Ashfield, described as the first and only Indigenous-run cultural center in western or central Massachusetts. He has also worked with state officials to create a curriculum that shares Native American teachings with students and another curriculum designed to combat substance among Native teens.
This fall, Spotted Crow Mann released the first installment of an illustrated children’s book series, The Adventures of Kehteau, that teaches sharing, empathy, cooperation and other life skills while exploring different Indigenous cultures. Books written by and about Native Americans make up a tiny portion of children’s literature, Spotted Crow Mann says.
“My life’s work has been to dismantle the colonial narrative and bring to light the rich, dynamic, and persevering story of Nipmuc people,” he said. “From my mother, her parents, and their grandparents. And on and on it goes. I come from a long line of resistance and holding on to who we are despite the odds. That’s why I am here.”
In his words: “I am immensely inspired by my ancestors. Additionally, I stay motivated by what I see in everyday life. The world is in desperate need of healing, social justice and equity. Stay teachable and open to new things. Read books by Indigenous authors. Practice active listening. Sometimes it’s not about how much knowledge you acquire but more so how you relate to others that will get you the furthest.”
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.
