Who We Are

The Hassanamisco Nipmuc is the original state-acknowledged Nipmuc tribe. The Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council is the recognized governing body for the Hassanamisco Tribe, as named in the 1976 Dukakis Executive Order, Section I — read the full order here.

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

Founded in 1944, the National Congress of American Indians is the oldest and largest organization representing tribal governments and Native peoples in the United States. NCAI works to protect tribal sovereignty and treaty rights, preserve Native cultures, and advance the well-being of Indigenous communities nationwide.

NCAI is governed by its member tribal nations, which appoint delegates to participate in national meetings, vote on resolutions, and help shape policy priorities. Its mission is to protect and enhance treaty and sovereign rights, preserve traditional cultures and ways of life, educate the public about tribal nations, and improve quality of life for Native communities. The Nipmuc Nation is a recognized member of NCAI.

Visit the NCAI Tribal Directory →

Federal Acknowledgment

The Nipmuc Nation is a historic Indigenous community with deep roots in central Massachusetts and a continued commitment to preserving Nipmuc culture, identity, and sovereignty. In its federal acknowledgment decision, the U.S. Department of the Interior recognized the historical existence of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc people and documented the long-standing presence of Nipmuc families and communities in the region.

While the federal government ultimately declined to grant federal acknowledgment under the specific criteria of the acknowledgment process at that time, the decision affirmed the continued existence of Nipmuc descendants, the historic Hassanamisco homeland, and the enduring cultural and political efforts of the Nipmuc people. Today, the Nipmuc Nation continues to advocate for its people, protect its history and traditions, and serve its community through cultural preservation, education, and tribal governance.