Growing up in Warwick, being the only Indigenous person is my classes but always identifying with my Niantic-Narragansett and Mashantucket Pequot roots. I was never taught the rich history of the Native Clans who first inhabited this land. It was not until I delved into my own heritage that I learned about the profound legacy of the Native clans that called Warwick home for centuries. These clans nurtured and respected the land, offering valuable traditions and contributions to what would become modern-day Warwick.

Today, these stories and legacies remain largely unrecognized in our city's narrative. This omission not only erases the surviving representatives of these clans from local history but also denies the city's residents access to a complete understanding of their community's origins. While our city has developed and evolved, it is crucial to acknowledge and honor those who laid the groundwork for Warwick's existence.

This petition seeks to address this oversight by urging the government of Warwick to officially recognize the historic and enduring presence of the Niantic-Narragansett and Wampanoag Recognition would include revising school curricula to incorporate Native history, dedicating local landmarks or events to these clans, and ensuring their stories are preserved in our public libraries and museums.

Native communities across the United States have been fighting for visibility and recognition for generations. In fact, a study by Pew Research Center notes that Native Americans are often the most overlooked group in U.S. history curriculums. Reconciliation begins with acknowledgment and reparative actions that stimulate cultural healing and understanding.

Let us come together to support a just cause that honors the true heritage of Warwick. Let us pave the way for future generations to appreciate and learn from the rich cultural tapestry that has been ignored for far too long. Sign this petition to demand reparation, recognition, and respect for the Native clans of Warwick, RI, and ensure their indelible mark on our city is never forgotten.

Aho 🪶