Fresh Air: Martha's Vineyard's Indigenous Past & Present Hosted by Tanya Moseley, NPR
Release Date: July 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fresh Air, host Tanya Moseley engages in an in-depth conversation with Joseph Lee, a member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe and author of the newly released book, Nothing More of this Land, Community, Power and the Search for Indigenous Identity. Lee's work delves into the rich, often overlooked indigenous history of Martha's Vineyard, juxtaposing the island's idyllic tourist image with its profound indigenous roots.

Martha's Vineyard: Beyond the Stereotype

Joseph Lee begins by challenging the conventional portrayal of Martha's Vineyard as a mere vacation hotspot for the affluent. He elucidates the island's complexity, highlighting its six distinct towns divided into "up island" and "down island," each with unique characteristics. In his words:

"The thing about Martha's Vineyard is that it's more complicated than people think." [02:12]

Lee describes Aquinnah, the smallest and most remote town, as a place devoid of a central hub, with seasonal businesses catering primarily to tourists. This segmentation of the island underscores the diverse populations residing there, from fishermen and hippies to tribal members and Brazilian immigrants.

Joseph Lee's Exploration

Lee's book is a blend of memoir, history, and investigative journalism. He recounts his upbringing on Martha's Vineyard, working at his family's gift shop, and how his experiences shaped his understanding of indigenous identity. A pivotal moment for Lee was witnessing his tribe's internal debate over building a casino on tribal land in Aquinnah:

"That was the thing that really helped open my eyes to sort of these more political aspects of tribal community and being Wampanoag." [05:44]

This debate highlighted the tension between sustaining the community through tourism and the potential displacement that large-scale projects like casinos could bring.

Identity and Sovereignty

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Native American sovereignty— the inherent right of indigenous tribes to self-governance. Lee shares his journey of understanding sovereignty beyond mere federal recognition:

"I always thought of sovereignty as just that. Basically, sovereignty equals federal recognition. But I came to learn it's a lot more complicated." [21:49]

He reveals surprising insights from his research, such as the Shasta Indian Nation's efforts to reclaim land outside the federal recognition framework, emphasizing that sovereignty can manifest in diverse and complex ways.

Land Ownership and Its Challenges

Land ownership is a cornerstone of indigenous identity, and Lee addresses the precariousness of land retention for the Aquinnah Wampanoag:

"We have over a thousand members in the tribe, but only a few hundred of those live on Martha's Vineyard." [07:09]

With land prices soaring—ranging from $3.5 million to $8 million—maintaining family-owned lands becomes increasingly challenging. Lee underscores the dual burden of paying high property taxes and the constant threat of land loss due to financial constraints or generational divides:

"You need to make enough money in your life to be able to keep the land and pay property taxes." [19:02]

Interactions with Tourists and Identity

Working in a family-owned store puts Lee in constant interaction with tourists, revealing widespread misconceptions and stereotypes about Native Americans. He shares experiences of being questioned about his indigenous identity:

"People would ask all kinds of questions. You know, I didn't think there were Indians anymore." [10:03]

These interactions often force him to confront and navigate the narrow and often inaccurate perceptions of what it means to be Native American, especially for individuals like him who have diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Language and Indigenous Identity

Language plays a crucial role in preserving and defining indigenous identity. Lee discusses his personal relationship with the Wampanoag language:

"I grew up learning the Wampanoag language in our tribal summer camp." [31:43]

Despite initial efforts to revive the language, Lee acknowledges the inconsistent role it has played in his life. However, he recognizes the passionate efforts of his community members to rejuvenate and teach the language to future generations, viewing it as essential for cultural preservation.

Sovereignty Across Tribes

Through his research, Lee interacted with various tribes, including the Cherokee Freedmen, who faced enrollment challenges based on blood quantum. These interactions broadened his understanding of sovereignty and highlighted the intricate dynamics within and between tribes:

"There are these people who've been a part of the community, they've fought and died with the community...and then they're being told suddenly, you're not one of us anymore." [28:03]

This encounter prompted Lee to reflect on the inclusivity and criteria of indigenous identity, questioning how sovereignty is maintained and who gets to belong.

Identity as a Choice

Lee explores the concept of identity as an active choice rather than a static trait. Influenced by Tommy Orange’s reflections, he emphasizes that embracing indigenous identity requires deliberate actions and engagement:

"I realize that that's because I'm doing this work. I'm making it sort of a personal mission to go out and gather and tell these stories." [33:56]

This perspective shifts the narrative from identity being imposed externally to being something actively cultivated and maintained through personal and communal efforts.

Challenges in Storytelling and Representation

Balancing accessibility for a broader audience while respecting the depth and complexity appreciated by indigenous readers is a challenge Lee addresses. He aims to educate without alienating, fostering a space for shared learning:

"My goal was really to kind of bring readers along with me, and as I learn things, hopefully they're learning, they're asking questions." [36:16]

Land Acknowledgments: Symbolism vs. Action

Lee expresses a nuanced view on land acknowledgments, recognizing their importance in correcting historical narratives but criticizing their often superficial implementation:

"What are you doing about it? What happens after the land acknowledgment?" [37:38]

He advocates for tangible actions that follow acknowledgments to ensure meaningful change rather than symbolic gestures.

Conclusion

Joseph Lee’s exploration in Nothing More of this Land offers a profound and multifaceted perspective on indigenous identity, sovereignty, and the enduring connection to land. His insights not only shed light on the Aquinnah Wampanoag’s struggles and resilience but also resonate with broader indigenous experiences globally. The conversation underscores the evolving nature of identity and the continuous effort required to preserve cultural heritage amidst modern challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Joseph Lee on Martha’s Vineyard’s Complexity:
  "The thing about Martha's Vineyard is that it's more complicated than people think." [02:12]

• On Tribal Presence:
  "I think it's a really big range of how people experience the tribe." [07:09]

• On Sovereignty Beyond Recognition:
  "Sovereignty can exist outside of that US Federal recognition structure entirely." [21:49]

• On Language Revival:
  "We're still very much in this space where we're trying to bring back the language and help it grow." [31:43]

• On Identity as a Choice:
  "I'm choosing to spend this time doing this when I could be doing something else." [33:56]

• On Land Acknowledgments:
  "I think sometimes land acknowledgments can be one of those things that makes the people doing them feel better, but ultimately isn't really making any change." [37:38]

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