New Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chair Promises Integrity

The new chair of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council says his goals are to unite tribal members, promote economic development and preserve the tribe’s culture.

Brian Weeden, 28, won a four-way election last weekend, the Cape Cod Times reported Tuesday. He got 241 votes, 20 more than his closest competitor.

“I feel ready to get to work,” said Weeden, the youngest person to serve as Tribal Council chair, the head of the tribe’s executive and legislative government branch. “There’s a lot of things that need to be done for the tribe and the community."

The federally recognized tribe has struggled financially for years and its plans to build and operate a casino in Taunton are on hold. Weeden's two immediate predecessors were both indicted on financial crime charges while in office.

Weeden wants to restore integrity and trust.

He plans to get input from tribal members on the how to approach casino projects, and has several ideas to generate revenue including a deer farm and offering canoe tours.

He's also proposing more language classes and programming to preserve and emphasize tribal culture.

“This administration is going to lead the way for future generations and get everything back in order around here, culturally, spiritually, physically, mentally,” Weeden said.

Weeden works for the Mashpee Department of Public Works as a school custodian. He has years of experience on tribal and town boards including the school committee, conservation commission and historical commission.

In other tribal elections, Carlton Hendricks Jr. was elected vice-chairman, Marie Stone was elected treasurer and Cassie Jackson was elected secretary.