“Protecting & Preserving Native American Culture, Traditions and Spirituality”

The Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA), was founded in 1989 by Burne Stanley-Peters and her late husband John Slow Turtle Peters.  At the time, Slow Turtle was the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs (a state agency) and they saw many of the needs of Native American communities and families in the Commonwealth going unmet. Additionally, they found there was a lack of knowledge and understanding about Native American issues and concerns among the general public that needed to be addressed.

Our mission is to assist Native American residents with basic needs and educational expenses; to provide opportunities for cultural and spiritual enrichment; and to address racial equality and inequities across the Commonwealth.