The Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Commission on Indian Affairs (MCIA) was created by the legislature in 1974. The Commission is governed by M.G.L. Chapter 6A: Section 8A and is housed within the Department of Housing and Community Development. Its fundamental role is to assist Native American individuals, tribes and organizations in their relationship with state and local government agencies and to advise the Commonwealth in matters pertaining to Native Americans. According to the 2010 Federal census, there are more than 37,000 Native Americans living in Massachusetts.
The Commission consists of seven members who are recommended by tribal councils and Native American organizations and appointed by the governor. Each member must be of verifiable Native American descent. Each member serves a term of three years and are assigned an area of representation such as a county, Native American organization, or tribe.
The Commission can assist tribal councils, Native American organizations, and individuals in the areas of social services, education, employment opportunities, health, housing, civil rights, legal aid, treaties, a census of Native American residents, legislation, and any other rights or services concerning Native American residents of the Commonwealth. The Commission is also responsible for making recommendations to the Commonwealth concerning programs and policies that will best serve the interest of Native American residents of the Commonwealth.
In accordance with the Massachusetts Unmarked Burial Law, the Commission investigates the discovery of unmarked native graves, and in consultation with the Massachusetts Historical Commission, determines the disposition of the remains.
Commission Members
Commission on Indian Affairs
100 Cambridge St., Suite 300
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
John “Jim” Peters, Jr, Executive Director
617-573-1292
john.peters@mass.gov
Burne Stanley, Administrative Assistant
617-573-1291
burne.stanley-peters@mass.gov
Commission Members:
- Joanne Dunn, North Shore
- Aaron M. Gonzales, North American Indian Center of Boston & Suffolk County
- Gail A. Hill, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Barnstable & Plymouth Counties
- Love T. Williams, Nipmucs and Worcester & Middlesex Counties
- Troy W. Phillips, Bristol & Norfolk Counties
- Vacant, Western Massachusetts
- Vacant, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head/Aquinnah
Additional Resources for Commission Members
Tuition and Scholarship Information
Additional Resources for Tuition and Scholarship Information
Native American Resource Information
North American Indian Center of Boston Grandparents’ Resource Guide
National Indian Education Association
Administration for Native Americans
Harvard University Native American Program
Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978
Institute for New England Native American Studies
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness
National Congress of American Indians
Native American Arts and Crafts Board
Nipmuc Indian Association of Connecticut
Nipmuck Council of Chaubunagungamaug