News & Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NIPMUC NATION TO ANNOUNCE LEADERSHIP DURING HASSANAMISCO POWWOW

Historic ceremony will name Interim Nipmuc Nation Sonksq and Interim Hassanamisco Tribal Sonksq

[GRAFTON, Mass.] — [7/24/2026] — The Nipmuc Nation announces that it will hold a historic ceremony during the Hassanamisco Powwow on July 26, 2026 at 1pm, to formally recognize two interim leadership positions established to guide the Nation while preserving the values, traditions, and responsibilities of Nipmuc governance.

The ceremony will formally name an Interim Nipmuc Nation Sonksq and an Interim Hassanamisco Tribal Sonksq. Together, these two distinct positions reflect the enduring balance between governmental leadership and traditional cultural stewardship that defines Nipmuc governance.

Interim Nipmuc Nation Sonksq

The Interim Nipmuc Nation Sonksq will serve as the Nation's principal political and governmental representative. In this capacity, the Sonksq will represent the Nipmuc Nation in its relationships with federal, state, local, and other Tribal governments, while providing leadership grounded in the Nation's culture and values. The Sonksq will additionally support educational initiatives, strengthen intergovernmental partnerships, and advocate for the rights, sovereignty, and future of the Nipmuc Nation.

Interim Hassanamisco Tribal Sonksq

The Interim Hassanamisco Tribal Sonksq will serve as the Nation's traditional cultural leader, entrusted with preserving and promoting Nipmuc traditions, cultural practices, and spiritual teachings. Responsibilities of this position include leading ceremonies and cultural gatherings, providing traditional guidance, promoting cultural preservation and heritage, serving as a peacekeeper, and upholding the well-being of Nipmuc citizens.

A Shared Commitment

While each position carries distinct and separate responsibilities, both leaders share a common commitment to serving the Nipmuc people with integrity, respect, and dedication. Together, they will work to strengthen the Nation by honoring its traditions while advancing its governmental responsibilities and relationships.

The Nipmuc Nation invites members of the public to join in witnessing this significant occasion and in celebrating the continuity of leadership that has sustained the Nation for generations.

Sincerely,
Tenah Richardson
Chairperson, Nipmuc Nation
Hassanamisco Tribe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Greetings to All Members of the Nipmuc Community,

Since 2022, Ms. Cheryll Toney Holley's 501(c)(3) nonprofit support organization has undergone significant changes. It now claims to be not only a Native American tribe but also the legitimate government of the Nipmuc Nation. In advancing this transition, Ms. Holley has relied on false claims and partial truths that have sown confusion among tribal members and external organizations alike.

She has persuaded some Nipmuc individuals to abandon their deep and honorable Band histories in favor of this newly formed movement. Others, aware of the past, have chosen to remain on the sidelines, while still others have found their names used without consent or authorization.

Those who urge us to "just get along" often overlook the damage being done. Ms. Holley and a small group of associates from her 501(c)(3) have, for personal gain, undermined the 1976 recognition of the Nipmuc Nation's tribal sovereignty. Meanwhile, outside observers stand by and laugh as we, the Nipmuc people, are deliberately weakened from within—our rightful government-to-government relationship with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts threatened for the benefit of a few seeking unauthorized privileges.

If you remain uncertain, consider the following recent developments:

1.) At the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Ms. Cheryll Toney Holley applied for membership for herself and her organization. Upon review, NCAI found her claims to be false and misleading—part of a growing trend of illegitimate groups attempting to gain tribal status through deception. Her application was denied, with full support from the entire Northeastern Tribal Leaders Group.

2.) On June 2, 2025, in a Massachusetts court case brought by Ms. Holley, she challenged the Nipmuc Nation's sovereign authority. The court found that her 501(c)(3) organization failed to provide any legal justification for its claims or actions. The Judge took steps to dismiss Ms. Holley and her fake tribal organization from court.

In summary, national and regional tribal leaders—as well as the court—have made it clear: as one people, we must stand united in honoring the heritage of our Ancestral Bands and in defending the officially recognized authority of the Nipmuc Tribal Council. Only by doing so can we protect our Aboriginal rights. If we fail to act now, we risk losing them forever.

Taubotne,
Hassanamisco Tribe
Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To the Nipmuc Community,

This is an official notice regarding Cheryll Holley's standing within the Nipmuc Tribe. In 2021, she abandoned her position as Chief and unilaterally created a separate group, which directly violated the tribe's integrity, governance, and constitution.

Further, Cheryll Holley has engaged in a series of actions that undermine the true sovereignty and identity of the Nipmuc Nation:

1. She created the unauthorized Hassanamisco Band at the expense of the authentic Hassanamisco Indians.

2. Through a combination of deception, intimidation, and false claims, she has occupied the Hassanamisco Indian Reservation.

3. Ms. Holley made herself the self-proclaimed Hassanamisco Band Chief, acting publicly to undermine the sovereign powers of the true Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council.

4. She accepted unauthorized Council materials obtained through redirected public and intergovernmental communication channels and encouraged intimidation against the authentic Traditional Hassanamisco Indians and Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council members.

5. Ms. Holley inappropriately acted as the Authorized Nipmuc Nation Representative regarding the processing of repatriated Nipmuc Nation human remains and burial items. Specifically:

a. She directed the unauthorized storage of human remains, gifted burial items to NIDC members, and directed unauthorized reburials on Hassanamisco Indian land.

b. She made false claims about Nipmuc Nation leadership to gain access to Massachusetts Tribal Repatriation Burial Funds, which she misused privately for the NIDC Organization.

6. Ms. Holley made false claims to gain exclusive and private rights to lands gifted to the Nipmuc Nation.

7. She submitted false claims to a National Native American Governmental Political Organization, ultimately rejecting her and the NIDC Tribal Government Entity.

8. Ms. Holley removed the Nipmuc Nation flag from the City Hall and replaced it with the flag from her unauthorized group.

These actions have significantly damaged our community and its standing. As a result of these deceptive and harmful behaviors, Ms. Holley is not in good standing. Additionally, following the tribe's law regarding dual citizenship, she is excluded from the tribal roll. The Nipmuc Nation formally denounces her actions and her unauthorized group.

Kuttabottomish,
Hassanamisco Tribe, Nipmuc Nation Tribal Council