Join us in supporting the creation of a Native American Veteran’s Monument at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island. This project is carried out by the members of the Honoring Indigenous Veterans Committee, including Charles B. Smith Jr. (Seaconke Wampanoag). This is a project of Tomaquag Museum's Indigenous Empowerment Network, founded by Lorén Spears (Narragansett).  Tomaquag Museum, is a 2016 Institute of Museum & Library Services National Medal winner and a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a GuideStar platinum rating, that ensures fiscal responsibility and transparency. 

The Honoring Indigenous Veterans of Turtle Island Committee includes Indigenous veterans, educators, artists, advocates and allies who are committed to ensuring Indigenous Veterans are honored. The project furthers Tomaquag Museum’s mission to educate the public and promote thoughtful dialogue regarding Indigenous history, culture, arts, and Mother Earth. Tomaquag's Indigenous Empowerment Network (IEN), established in 2016, strives to eradicate poverty in the Indigenous Community of Rhode Island through education, cultural competency, job training, employment, small business incubation, addressing social justice and building equity through Tomaquag Museum and our ever expanding network of partners.  

A state legislative grant was awarded to the Honoring Indigenous Veterans project. Delivered to the museum this past Saturday by state representative Camille Vella-Wilkinson , the $25,000 check was presented to Charles Smith and Lorén Spears. This award has helped us reach our goal and we are now ready to move forward with the Honoring Indigenous Veterans Monument project! This monument will honor all Indigenous Veterans within the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. We plan to utilize local Native American masons to create the arch and plinth (base) that surrounds the engraved stone marker. The goal is to include all represented tribal nations.