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Ohketeau Cultural Center
Ohketeau means ‘a place to plant and grow’ in the Nipmuc language, and it is the only Native founded and run cultural center in all of Central and Western Massachusetts. Since 2017, our work has focused on uplifting the voices of Native peoples and dismantling unjust frameworks, replacing them with accessibility, equity, dignity, and wellness for our Native communities. We share our stories and cultures so that our communities remain strong and others may know our authentic experiences and current issues. The Ohketeau Team understands the importance of a safe place to gather regularly and educate our youth in impactful ways.
Ohketeau is a place for Indigenous scholars and educators to undermine harmful narratives, stereotypes, and biases about Indigenous cultures and actively acknowledge and take steps to remove invisibility within mainstream settler society. We strive to illuminate the work of Indigenous artists, ancestors, culture-bearers, and activists, thereby expanding the Non-Native audience's worldviews. At Ohketeau, we actively create relationships of reciprocity with multiple organizations and work as activists locally to push all people to do better.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SELECTED VIDEOS
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Kindling Community: A Traditional Eastern Woodland Homesite at Jacob’s Pillow
This spring, Nipmuc citizens Andre Strongbearheart Gaines Jr. and Nazario TallHairRedDeer Garate built an Eastern Woodlands Homesite on the Jacob’s Pillow campus. This homesite brings Eastern Woodlands peoples and the public together to highlight urgent issues of access, health, and the sustainability of cedar swamps in the Eastern Woodlands. Watch the video here >>
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The Living Presence forum continues conversations with Indigenous community members and allies regarding issues we face today as Native peoples. This conversation has a panel with Native American screenwriters on the importance of seeing Indigenous narratives on screen. The panelists explore how these narratives affect Native and non-Native communities today and the possible steps to educate, decolonize, and make changes using an Indigenous lens.
Watch all Living Presence Conversations here >>
In Nipmuc teachings, all life started on the back of a Turtle.
The Turtle is the symbol of Creators' Wisdom, patience, and longevity. Turtle also represents Mother Earth in all her sacredness and beauty. The main portion of Turtle’s back are 13 sections, these sections align with the 13 Moons that have guided our ceremonies since the beginning of time. Turtle is one of the ancient Clans of the Nipmuc people.
The majority of Nipmuc people today carry the Turtle Clan lineage. As life started in the East, Turtle looks to the East to Welcome All of Creation. Turtle welcomes you to Ohketeau: a place for something to grow.
“And so let us align ourselves with that creative power and spirit of Turtle and see what we can create together.”