The Upton Historical Society will present “Indigenous Past, Present, and Future” on Friday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Upton Community Center. The program is free and open to the public. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be provided for Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees.
The Upton Historical Society gratefully acknowledges the Upton Cultural Council for its financial support, which helps make educational and cultural programs like this available to the community.
The evening will explore the history and continuing presence of Native Americans in Upton and Central Massachusetts, with a particular focus on the Nipmuc and Algonquin peoples. The program will look beyond the distant past to consider the enduring presence, experiences, traditions, and future of Indigenous communities in our region.
Featured speaker Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley, a Nipmuc artist and historian, will share her perspective on Indigenous history and culture through the tradition of weaving. For Walley, weaving is more than an art form—it is an ontology, a living worldview that connects fiber arts with ancestors, the land, and future generations. Her twined baskets serve as powerful records of historical resilience, carrying stories of Indigenous survival and resistance in New England.
Through her artwork and storytelling, Walley offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the connections between Indigenous peoples, place, history, and cultural traditions—and to recognize the continuing presence and contributions of Indigenous communities today.
The Upton Historical Society invites residents and visitors to attend this special program, learn more about the Indigenous history of Upton and Central Massachusetts, and gain a deeper appreciation for the region's Indigenous heritage and living traditions.