Treaty Between Local Tribe And Pilgrims Immortalized In New Coin

A peace treaty between the Wampanoag tribe and Massachusetts pilgrims is being immortalized in a new $1 coin. The deal was struck several months before the very first Thanksgiving in 1621.

"I think it's symbolic of all the blood, sweat and tears that our nation has endured over the 420-plus years of those encounters with European settlers," says Mashpee Wampanoag Chair Cedric Cromwell. "Today, they're commemorating us and recognizing us.

"It means a lot to me and it means a lot to my nation. It's one small step toward the sovereignty aspect of our nation and the continuing recognition of who we are as Native Americans."

The coin will be released early next year.