Climate Change Adaptation Plan Wampanoag Tribe Of Gay Head (Aquinnah )

This plan was developed by the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) (“WTGHA” or “the Tribe”) to document the current conditions of tribal lands that have been impacted by the changing climate, and to identify alternatives and resources to help address these concerns. Given the Tribe’s location on the island of Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts), WTGHA is well aware of the effects that ocean storm surge can have on its lands. Tribal lands are as valued as the waters to the Wampanoag people. From the lands come food, medicine, and other useful materials. The threats of shoreline erosion, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion are concerns clearly expressed by tribal members. Along the shoreline, sea level rise and beach erosion have contributed to a noticeable loss in sand dunes that are home to beach plum, rose hips, beach pea and other valuable plants. The Wampanoag people have lived on the island for innumerable generations and mass relocation is not a realistic option; the people are inherently tied to the land. The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) is planning for adaptation, in an effort to be proactive rather than reactive. The future is unknown, but planning can mitigate the extent of
loss and damage.