Berte: A truly inspirational leader
By Janice Elizabeth Berte
On a quiet, cloudy, cool spring day I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Chief Vernon Silent Drum Lopez, chief of the Wampanoag Tribe in Mashpee.
Chief Lopez, a bright, articulate 91-year-old with so much wisdom and love in his heart that it brought me to tears when first meeting him.
A soft spoken gentleman dressed in jeans with overalls and a salt/pepper ponytail adorned his head. He said he got his native name – “Silent drum” – by being an accomplished drum maker. The term Wampanoag means people of the first light.
Chief Lopez was born in Mashpee and was raised to eat off of the land. He ate raccoon, rabbit, deer, cranberries/blueberries and all kinds of seafood especially quahogs, oysters and clams. Chief Lopez said, “I ate a lot of deer stew growing up.”
As I walked into his living room, I felt that I had entered a Native American museum. The artifacts, pictures, authentic tribe pieces were incredible. From a large cow skin drum, to homemade native jewelry and a picture of Chief Lopez wearing an owl feathered head dress. He also had old pictures of his parents on his wall dressed in native regalia. There was a beautifully draped Native American blanket on his sofa colored in rich yellow, red, brown and orange hues with zigzag designs printed all over the layer.
According to Chief Lopez, “one is elected as chief of a tribe by the number of people standing behind you in a line at the Tribal Council meeting.”
After speaking with Chief Lopez, I can see why his people would vote for him since he is a true inspirational leader coupled with so much prudence and dignity. He is still currently guiding his people into living their lives with honor and love for their culture.
One of the more festive and famous North American celebrations in the Native American culture is the Pow-wow. It is a feasting, music and dance celebration that happens around July 4.
A gathering of families and friends of many tribes throughout the country rejoice in their Creator (Jesus Christ). They also give much praise for their food, oceans, rivers, trees, animals and anything that their Creator has given them. The Native Americans include dancing to drum beating which is the heartbeat or voice from the earth to their High Spirit or Creator.
Socials, as they are called in the tribes, happen in the wintertime where they are indoors since the weather is ever changing in New England. They are usually potluck and they bring tribal drums and have games for the children. Each tribe that attends these socials has their own songs, which they share with each other.
A couple of symbolic icons in the Native American culture are the eagle and fire. The eagle is viewed as the most powerful and highest flying bird and is the conveyor to their Creator. The other symbol is fire which is how the Native Americans send their messages to their High Spirit,” according to Chief Lopez.
For anyone who would like to participate and learn about the lifestyles of Native Americans, please visit Plymouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts. They have superb villages and movies depicting the lives of Native Americans, or visit the Wampanoag Indian Museum in Mashpee, Massachusetts.
Janice Elizabeth Berte lives in Framingham.
Friday
May 2, 2014 at 7:21 AM