RI Representative Vella-Wilkinson welcomes an audience of over 50 people to the Hearing on the Recognition of Native American Tribes at the Rhode Island State House on March 8, 2023. She then called upon Michael Markley of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe to deliver his testimony. Click here for a 50-minute video of the session.

Among other graphics that Mr. Markley offered was a map of the Seaconke and North Purchases during the 17th century as well as a chart showing the changes in colonial and Indigenous populations in the area over the course of 17th century.

(Above) Mr. Markley, Barrett Strong Oak Washington, Representative Vella-Wilkinson, Chief Darrell Waldron, and John Falcon Harris of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe pose for a closing photo after Chief Waldron and Mr. Harris made remarks.