Annual Meeting More Lively Than Ever

The Wampanoag Tribe had lots to celebrate at this year’s annual get together, a tradition that has gone on for 86 years, and you could feel it in the air. Indeed, the traditional tribal dances were the same, and many of the same people were there – but you could feel the additional excitement in the air.

For in fact, there was more to celebrate this year than last year, or even previous years. The tribe was finally recognized by the government and won official federal recognition. This means they can now get federal funding for many of those things that they so sorely need like housing, medicine and education.

It also means that they can start working on plans for building their $1 billion slot machine casino in Middleborough, which will bring them more money than they have ever seen. The tribe is made up of roughly 1,500 members, and they say that they cannot wait for their piece of the pie that is the “American” dream.

The tribe has been struggling for years to survive, surprisingly enough because they have roots that go all the way back to the first Thanksgiving. However, with slot machines they will be able to afford more than just the basics, as they have seen the success that other tribes have gotten from opening their casinos. They say they have waited a long time to get recognized as a tribe, and finally the powers that be have woken up and given them their rightful place.

 

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