The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah are the legal caretakers of over 500 acres of land in Aquinnah, MA, which remains mostly undeveloped.

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah are the legal caretakers of over 500 acres of mostly undeveloped land in Aquinnah, MA. The entirety of Aquinnah and Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) is the traditional and unceded territory of the Wampanoag people, who have lived here for over 12,000 years. Our deep connection to this land is enriched by our histories, passed down through generations.

In the 1700s, the influx of Europeans led to permanent settlements on Noepe, bringing deadly diseases and causing mass dislocation of our people. By the 1800s, only three Wampanoag communities remained: Aquinnah, Chappaquiddick, and Christiantown. Despite the ongoing encroachment on our territory, we have remained resilient, maintaining our connection to the land and our community.

Today, we continue to honor our heritage and traditions, ensuring that our cultural practices and values are passed down to future generations. Our way of life, rooted in on the land and by the sea, is a testament to our enduring presence and resilience on Noepe.