Hubbardston board endorses letters, opens tribal consultation on dugout canoe

The Hubbardston Select Board voted Monday to endorse two stewardship letters and continue coordination with tribal representatives and the local historical museum regarding a dugout canoe held by the museum.

Board members said the town will wait for a scheduled virtual meeting with a tribal council liaison before sending the letters, but approved keeping the letters “in our back pocket” and authorized continued outreach. The board’s action followed several residents’ comments and a presentation from a staff member who has been leading outreach to tribal contacts.

The board emphasized that ownership questions remain unresolved. Town staff said the museum and tribal representatives are still investigating provenance and that the artifact “belongs to them” if the tribe confirms the canoe’s origin. Select Board members and residents discussed diplomatic outreach and avoiding going around either the museum or the tribe while seeking clarity. Several speakers urged caution and cooperation: one resident noted the town had already contacted the museum and that the museum expected to wait for the tribe’s response.

The board’s motion authorized endorsement of the letters and continued coordination contingent on validation that the canoe is of Nipmuc origin. After discussion, the Select Board approved the motion by voice vote.

Next steps include a scheduled virtual meeting between town representatives and the tribal liaison the following day; board members said they will await the outcome of that meeting before deciding which letters should be sent to the museum or tribe.