The field trip to Plymouth involved visits to significant sites such as Plymouth pit and Tidmarsh Sanctuary, guided by Strong Oak, the executive director and co-founder of the Visioning Bear Circle Intertribal Coalition Inc. The excursion was designed to connect participants with the historical and ongoing struggles of indigenous communities, emphasizing the need to challenge the “inaccurate and false narratives taught in our textbooks for centuries.” Participants were encouraged to reflect on the broader historical context and the resilience of the Wampanoag people in the face of colonization.

One of the key moments during the visit was a tobacco ceremony conducted by Strong Oak before entering Plymouth pit. This ceremony highlighted the spiritual and medicinal significance of tobacco in Native American culture. “Tobacco is one of the four medicines given to walk in balance with all beings on Mother Earth,” Strong Oak explained, emphasizing its role in connecting with the land and the spirits. Participants also learned about the traditional art of constructing a michon, or canoe, vital for the Wampanoag families, and the sustainable practices involved in building a wetu, a domed hut used for shelter.

The group’s time at the Tidmarsh Sanctuary included discussions on its ecological restoration, which transformed a former cranberry farm into a wildlife preserve. This restoration has led to the return of species such as river herring and muskrat to the area, highlighting the sanctuary’s significance in preserving the natural habitat once inhabited by the Wampanoag.

The meeting also delved into themes of colonization and accountability. A participant articulated the necessity of acknowledging historical injustices faced by indigenous communities, stating that everyone shares responsibility for addressing these issues. This sentiment sparked a conversation about the discomfort surrounding the legacy of colonization and its impact on contemporary societal structures.

The conversation underscored the need for personal accountability and the importance of fostering genuine relationships within communities. A speaker emphasized that everyone is part of both the problem and the solution, advocating for personal reflection on individual contributions to ongoing societal issues. This discussion included a focus on intergenerational support, with an elder voicing their responsibility to empower the younger generation through love, empathy, peace, and equity.

The meeting also addressed societal violence, including gender-based violence, with a commitment to fostering community solutions. Participants highlighted the importance of guiding younger generations about healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and respect, despite the challenges of kindness being exploited.