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On the 16th of May 2022, the Narragansett Town Council, headed by Jesse Pugh, passed a resolution. This resolution would allow members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe of Rhode Island onto the Narragansett Town Beach without an admission fee, at no cost to the taxpayers of the Narragansett township. This motion does not include parking fees.
Let’s get some background: according to archaeological evidence, the Algonquian-speaking Narragansett people have been in the Narragansett Bay area for more than 30,000 years. Over the course of the past 500 years, the Narragansett people have been detribalised, and driven from their homes, spreading as far as Wisconsin in the hope of continued survival, and have been the victims of genocide. Today there are approximately 3,000 registered members of the Narragansett nation, including children under 12.
This resolution, known as Motion 8 on the council schedule for the night, was brought up in a February meeting between the Inclusion Diversity Equity Administration and Coastal Access Committee, IDEA and CAC respectively, and was finally passed on this May 16th meeting, though not unanimously. Councilwomen Ewa Dzweirzynski and Susan Ciciline Buonanno voted against the decision, even through claims of supporting the Narragansett people. Their reasoning was that the proposal was not vetted through the proper channels nor the proper processes before being brought to the council that night. Susan Ciciline Buonanno did say, in an interview with me via telephone, “I want our students, whether they’re in Kingstown or Narragansett, to really get involved and get educated on these types of things, because hearing from our constituents is what leads to better discussions.”
More than 30 tribal members were present to speak on behalf of their spiritual and historic connection to the Narragansett town beach and Grandfather Ocean, as well as several Rhode Island residents that are not registered Narragansett nation members. Among those present was Maija Hill, a Narragansett Tribal member and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While we were there, sitting fairly close together, she expressed her disappointment in many of the counterarguments that arose. “They’re [the council members and members of the public that disagree with the passage of motion 8] just trying to come up with reasons we shouldn’t go on our land – land that was stolen!”
The University of Rhode Island has, within the past 5 years, established a resolution to stand with and appreciate the work done for this land by the Narragansett people, and has established a scholarship for the Narragansett indigenous peoples who apply for it. It’s with this in mind that I emailed the University Diversity Council for their statement on Motion 8, but was unable to get the current president’s response.
Let us be completely clear: this decision and its outcome will not make up for the centuries of detribalization and subjugation that the Narragansett people have been through at the hands of colonists and those who have perpetuated imperialism and racism. But reestablishing their right to celebrate their culture freely is a step in the right direction, and is one of several that needs to be taken together as a multicultural community.
I also would like to draw attention to any indigenous students who may be reading, that there are resources here at URI specifically directed towards you and your future that you should definitely look into and explore.
As a student at URI, you have multiple resources for your overall wellbeing.
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- URI Counseling Center helps students lead successful and fulfilling lives through counseling, referrals, outreach programs, and online self-assessments.
- Health Services We are here to support you in that, providing a wide range of care that addresses the whole you—your physical and mental health and wellness.
- Well-being Coaching for URI students offers one on one meetings with a certified Well-being Coach, who is trained to identify your strengths and support you with a goal or behavior change.
- JED’s Mental Health Resources Provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges and make a successful transition to adulthood.
- The URI Women’s Center partners with others in the URI community to provide an empowering space that promotes social justice for every member of the community, regardless of gender, gender identity, body, ability, sexual orientation, race, spirituality, and ethnicity.
- The URI Gender and Sexuality Center website contains a variety of resources, contacts, programs, and support for people everywhere.
- The Multicultural Student Services Center promotes access, equity, and individual growth for traditionally underserved students.
- Disability Services for Students works with students and all units of URI to create inclusive and sustainable learning and working environments.
- The Dean of Students Office offers a wide variety of services designed to empower our students and facilitate their involvement in the university’s decision-making process.
- The Office of Veteran Affairs and Military Programs at URI welcomes veterans, military, and their families to our beautiful campus community. We value your service to our country and we thank you
- Rhody Outpost The pantry provides food and other items at no charge to students, along with services and resources (see the Students First Fund page).
- Psychological Consultation Center (PCC) is a mental health service, research, and training facility that serves both the URI and greater RI community. Established in 1968, the PCC is a training clinic for doctoral-level graduate students in the Clinical Psychology graduate program offered through the Department of Psychology at URI. The PCC offers individual treatment, adult assessment services, and a specialty clinic for children with anxiety.
Sources
https://www.narragansettri.gov/413/Admission-Pass-Policy
https://turnto10.com/news/local/proposal-would-give-free-beach-access-to-narragansett-indian-tribe