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.
Shawn Stevens (Courtesy photo)Courtesy photo
Shawn Stevens
Age: 54
Community: Works in the Berkshires, lives in Bowler, Wisconsin.
His story: For 20 years, Shawn Stevens has worked to reconnect with his people’s ancestral lands in Massachusetts.
Enrolled with the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, based in Wisconsin, Stevens visits the Berkshires throughout the year “to build relationships between the Mohican people and local residents, fostering greater understanding of the region’s Indigenous history,” he said.
Stevens hosted the first powwow in Pittsfield after leading a Mohican drum group from their reservation in his hometown of Bowler, Wisconsin, in 2006. Pittsfield’s then-mayor, James Ruberto, presented the group with a key to the city. For Stevens, this moment sparked his “dream to bring more Mohican people back to their ancestral lands in the Berkshires,” he said.
He is also a co-director of Alliance for a Viable Future, based in the Berkshires, along with fellow co-director Lev Natan.
Since 2020, he‘s helped organize Great Barrington’s annual Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Walk. This effort’s goal has been to bring Mohican people and local residents together to “build solidarity between communities,” he said.
“This walk is about coming together in a spirit of healing, both for the land and for all people,” he said. “It’s a reminder that we are all connected and that our actions today will shape the world for future generations.”
Stevens has worked with people in the community, including spiritual centers and churches to build alliances with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. Part of his mission has been environmental conservation, addressing climate change and pollution, he said.
He also speaks at public and private schools and colleges throughout the Berkshires to give an accurate account of his people’s history.
“Education is a powerful tool for healing,” he said. “By sharing our stories, we can build bridges of understanding and respect.”
Among the tribe’s leadership, he served as Chairperson of the Tribe‘s Language and Culture Board for 20 years. He also served as Vice Chair of the Tribe’s Repatriation Committee, “working to return sacred items and ancestral remains to their rightful places,” he said.
“My diverse experiences and deep commitment to my culture reflect my lifelong dedication to the preservation, education and well-being of my people,” Stevens said.
In his words: “Patience and persistence are essential. Whether you’re working on language revitalization, repatriation, or leading community initiatives, the journey can be long and challenging. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and you might face obstacles from both inside and outside your community. Stay committed, remembering that each small victory — be it the return of an ancestral artifact or one child learning a traditional song — matters. These efforts add up over time to create a lasting impact.“
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.
