To the editor:

I recently read the Friends of Historic Bristol Sites of Conscience Summit set a commendable goal “to honor the history of the lands of the Pokanoket Tribe, the leadership of the tribal groups that make up the modern-day Wampanoag Nation and the Narragansett Indian Nation.”

Along with many others, I believe that addressing the Native American issue here should trump all others. David Weed and his Sowams Heritage Area project is doing great work in this regard, but Brown University has historic egg on its face by not finalizing an agreement with the Native Americans at Mt. Hope Lands in Bristol, one of the most historic locations in our country. Have you ever been there?

Since its shutdown in 2017, one cannot properly visit King Philip’s Chair and marker at the spring where he was killed without Brown’s permission. As much as Brown has signed on with the Friends, it might give this famous location priority recognition by making things right for the once oppressed Pokonoket, now ready to assume a role in its management. A solution here could also have a positive impact of historic and economic development considerations.

For too long we have been told that lawyers are still working on an agreement, now five years in the making. Meanwhile, this piece of land, readily identified, honored by many, but seldom witnessed, is now disregarded and sadly overgrown.

Whether the Mt. Hope Lands become a UNESCO site or a non-profit trust with a significant leadership gift from Brown and/or a private benefactor, and including Native American representation, the Friends might prompt Brown to finally bring this issue to a close.

Beyond generalized talk about “stolen land” and justice for Native Americans, Friends would achieve more meaningful results by having Brown reopen to the public King Philip's chair and memorial stone and restore the area to its former park-like appearance.

We encourage the Friends to convene with Brown, Bill Guy and other interested parties to find a real solution, a concrete step to recognize the injustice done to local tribes in Rhode Island.

DeWolf Fulton
Monkeywrench Lane
Bristol