The Saunkskwa of Mystic was an important and influential leader and one of the only women in political leadership during the early colonial period. At a time when diseases like smallpox had decimated her tribe, the Pawtucket band of the Massachusetts, and settler colonists continued to encroach on tribal lands, the Saunkskwa attempted to safeguard aboriginal rights.

While historical records provide few details about her, they do provide more information about the Saunkskwa’s descendants. Her daughter, Yawata, married John Awonsamug and resided in Natick as Abigail Awonsamug. Pamela will tell us about the Saunkskwa and her descendants.

Pamela Ellis has served as Tribal Historian and Genealogist with the Natick Nipmuc Indian Council.

This event is FREE and open to the public, and is jointly sponsored by the Natick Historical Society and the Marblehead Museum. Advanced registration is required to access the Zoom link.

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