Background, Mission and Work
Slow Turtle and Burne
Slow Turtle and Burne
The Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA) was founded in 1989 by Burne Stanley‑Peters and her late husband, John “Slow Turtle” Peters. At the time, Slow Turtle was serving as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, and together they witnessed firsthand how many needs within Native American communities across the Commonwealth were going unmet. Families and Elders lacked consistent access to essential support, and there were few opportunities for cultural knowledge & engagement, and contemporary Native issues to be shared or understood by the broader public. There were also too few spaces where Native traditions could be celebrated and passed on. Recognizing these gaps, Burne and Slow Turtle felt a deep responsibility to act. Burne took the lead in researching the requirements for establishing a nonprofit, completing the IRS Form 1023 application, and submitting it promptly in hopes of securing official nonprofit status. Several months later, MCNAA received its 501(c)(3) designation. From that foundation, MCNAA has grown into a trusted community resource dedicated to cultural enrichment, education, and direct assistance for Native families throughout Massachusetts.
Our mission is to assist Native American residents with basic needs and educational expenses; to provide opportunities for the expression and preservation of Native American cultural traditions; to advance public knowledge and understanding that helps dispel inaccurate information about Native Americans; and to work towards racial equality across the region.
MCNAA is guided by a dedicated five‑member Board of Directors: Dawn Duncan, Claudia Fox Tree, Kim Orben, Anthony Silva, and Burne Stanley‑Peters. Their leadership is complemented by a five‑member Advisory Council: Eva Blake, Erin McCormack, Autaquay Peters‑Mosquera, and Kate Yeomans, with one seat currently open. Together, our Board and Advisory Council bring deep experience, cultural knowledge, and a shared commitment to strengthening and uplifting Native communities across Massachusetts.
We are passionate about our mission and the work we do. We invite you to stand with us and support our efforts as we continue our journey forward.
We accomplish our mission with the following programs and services:
Cultural-Traditional Arts Program
The Traditional Arts Program provides opportunities for cultural expression and public engagement which include a number of initiatives that serve as forums for Native artisans, craft makers, dancers, singers, and storytellers. These events are a blend of culture, traditions & history which brings awareness about authentic Native American traditions and invites audiences to participate in our rich cultural heritage.
Public Education-Social Change Program
The Public Education-Social Change Program hosts quality educational workshops, lectures and panel discussions to advance knowledge and awareness among the broader community about Native American history, traditions, and issues of concern. The program includes social change initiatives that address racial injustices and stereotypes.
Social Assistance Program
The Social Assistance Program assists Native American Elders and families with food, heating bills and other basic needs.
Scholarship & Educational Resources Program
The Scholarship & Educational Resources Program provides low-income Native American students with funds for college-related expenses, vital educational resources, and culturally-sensitive mentoring.
Youth Cultural Enrichment Program
The Youth Cultural Enrichment Program, named in honor of the late Slow Turtle who was the Supreme Medicine Man of the Wampanoag Nation, offers cultural enrichment activities and gatherings for children and youth. Activities include listening to Indigenous storytelling; engaging in projects on regalia making, hand drum construction, traditional beading and hand weaving. Each activity includes learning tribal history and accurate cultural information related to the project.
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