In the Spring of 2015, the first parcel of land was donated to the NLC by Norman Hayes. This is a place we call Tall Pines; or as translated in Wampanoag, Qâqunôhqus8ee K8âut. Mr. Hayes of Barnstable made this meaningful gift driven by his family’s colonial lineage and respect for indigenous people.  Well before the present Land Back movement Norman Hayes said, “I thought that it should be given to the Native Americans that once used it.” This site is a thick white pine grove with very little understory due to the deep layer of pine needles.

We translated a quote from Norman’s father Mr. Stephen P. Hayes on the deed, who said, “Wachônumk ahkee kah ahkee peesh kuwachônuqunâw,”in English: “Take care of the Land, and the Land will take care of you.”