UPDATE: A compelling new call for reconciliation has emerged as we mark 250 years since General George Washington extended a promise to the Mahhekennuk Tribe of Indians. A letter dated July 8, 1783, reveals Washington’s commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by Native Americans during the Revolutionary War.
Just five years after the horrific Battle of Kingsbridge, where numerous Mohicans were killed by British forces, Washington urged the United States to honor the Mahhekennuk Tribe, who fought alongside American forces. The letter emphasized their loyalty and called for their protection as friends and allies.
However, the U.S. government’s subsequent treatment of Indigenous tribes has been a stark failure of this promise. Following the initial exodus of the Mahhekennuk, they faced multiple forced relocations, eventually settling in northern Wisconsin by the 1850s. It took 72 years before Native American veterans were recognized for pensions, a glaring oversight following their service.
Moreover, the tragic legacy of forced removals extended to the systematic separation of Indigenous children through white-run boarding schools. This practice not only stripped children of their cultural identities but also led to a drastic decline in native language fluency, with reports indicating fewer than 15 fluent Mohican speakers remaining today.
“True reconciliation will only begin when we listen, understand, and empathize,” stated Patrick White, who recently proposed the formation of the Stockbridge Mohican Commission.
White, who authored grants for a new Revolutionary Monument on the Stockbridge Town Green, insists that confronting these historical injustices is vital for a more inclusive future. He believes that acknowledging our past—including its inconvenient truths—is essential to honoring the sacrifices made by Indigenous peoples.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the call for respectful dialogue and understanding resonates strongly. White emphasizes the importance of listening to Mohican voices to gain perspective on the intergenerational trauma that has persisted for over two centuries.
This urgent initiative speaks to a broader movement aiming to create a “more perfect union,” as articulated in the Declaration of Independence. The anniversary serves as a pivotal moment for reflection and action, urging all Americans to engage in meaningful conversations about reconciliation.
As discussions around this significant historical moment unfold, the nation stands at a crossroads, faced with the challenge of addressing its past while paving the way for a more equitable future for all.
The time for action is now. Let’s honor Washington’s promise and strive for genuine understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples across the United States.
