The People - The Re-Monument

Lauren Sun Turtle Peters

Lauren Peters Neepawus T8nupahs “Sun Turtle” is an enrolled citizen of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and a member of the Bear Clan.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the “People of the First Light,” has inhabited present day Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island for more than 12,000 years. Within the tribe,the Bear Clan’s duty is to keep the ceremonies and traditions alive.

Sun Turtle is wearing a traditional deerskin regalia with wampum, shell and seal claw necklaces, all harvested from the shores of Mashpee. Her blanket is her family tree dating back to the 1500s. It was made for her by MotherBear, her aunt and Bear Clan Mother.

Lauren Sun Turtle Peters leads a Corn Sister Circle on her tribal farm. She also paddles canoe and teaches yoga in her community. She is a traditional Eastern Blanket Dancer and has danced her whole life.

Lauren has two young sons and recently completed her Master of Business Administration degree. Working with her community, rematriating land and seeds, and helping others is her passion and who she is at her core. She walks in both worlds: one in which she navigated through International business while living in New York City for almost 20 years, and another in which she steadfastly keeps herself grounded in her traditions. Today, she consults for Native and tribal businesses to fund and support community projects across the Northeast.