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Developer and Native leaders present monument concept for John Sassamon to Lakeville officials
Summary
Daniel Kasiri and Chief Tom Frederick presented an early-stage private proposal for a monument — called Kenawhaan — honoring John Sassamon; the town's Historical Commission asked for more consultation with Wampanoag descendants and additional documentation before recommending a course to the Select Board.
A private group proposed a monument to commemorate John Sassamon and broader indigenous history in Lakeville, and members of the Historical Commission and select board expressed preliminary support while urging further consultation and documentation.
Daniel Kasiri described the project as an early-stage effort backed by a sculptor under contract for a maquette and an initial donor (the meeting packet identified Lakeville Christian Fellowship as an initial donor organization). Kasiri said he has drafted nonprofit paperwork and is seeking the Select Board's willingness to review a completed maquette and siting options at a future meeting; he emphasized that he is not requesting town funds and intends to raise money privately.
Why this matters: the proposal touches on local history, public space and interpretation of a contested historical figure. Historical Commission members recounted past efforts (in…
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