The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Stewards of Martha’s Vineyard for Centuries

Martha’s Vineyard is often known for its charming beaches, quaint towns, and luxury escapes—but beneath this surface lies a deeper story of heritage, resilience, and cultural preservation. At the heart of this history is the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)—one of the earliest known inhabitants of the island.

Who Are the Wampanoag People?

The Wampanoag, or "People of the First Light," are an Indigenous nation of the Northeastern United States who have lived in what is now Massachusetts and Rhode Island for over 12,000 years. The Aquinnah Wampanoag, specifically, are the descendants of the tribe that has lived in the western part of Martha’s Vineyard for thousands of years.

Today, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) is a federally recognized tribe with a deep spiritual and historical connection to the land, particularly the stunning cliffs of Aquinnah—formerly known as Gay Head.

A Living Culture Rooted in Aquinnah Cliffs

The iconic Aquinnah Cliffs are more than a scenic wonder—they are sacred. These vibrant clay cliffs, recognized as a National Natural Landmark, are central to the tribe’s identity. For generations, the Wampanoag have harvested clay from these cliffs for ceremonial and practical uses, a tradition that continues to reflect their spiritual bond with nature.

The tribe manages hundreds of acres of ancestral land and actively engages in land stewardship, coastal preservation, and cultural education, ensuring that traditions remain alive even as modern challenges emerge.

History of Recognition and Sovereignty

The tribe was officially federally recognized in 1987, affirming their sovereign rights and relationship with the U.S. government. With this recognition came self-governance and the ability to reclaim and manage their ancestral lands.

Despite centuries of colonization, displacement, and legal battles, the Aquinnah Wampanoag have continued to uphold their customs, language, and governance systems, reclaiming visibility in a region where their history was once marginalized.

Contemporary Life and Tribal Governance

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) operates a tribal government and offers services to its enrolled members. These services include health care, education programs, housing assistance, cultural preservation initiatives, and natural resource management.

Their community center in Aquinnah serves as a cultural and social hub, and the tribe also runs the Aquinnah Cultural Center, a museum and educational space open to the public to learn about Wampanoag history, art, and traditions.

Indigenous Rights, Tourism, and Economic Development

While tourism brings economic opportunities to Martha’s Vineyard, it also presents challenges to the tribe’s efforts to protect sacred lands and maintain cultural integrity. The Wampanoag Tribe is actively involved in developing sustainable economic practices that align with their values—balancing tourism, tribal gaming rights, and environmental conservation.

Why Learn About the Aquinnah Wampanoag?

In learning about the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), visitors to Martha’s Vineyard can deepen their understanding of the island’s true legacy. Indigenous peoples are not relics of the past; they are contemporary communities living with ancient knowledge and modern agency.

By engaging with the tribe's cultural centers, artisan traditions, and storytelling, travelers gain insight into a history that predates colonial maps and enriches every sunset over the Aquinnah cliffs.