BankNewport Partners with Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust on Indigenous Food Access Program

Newport, RI – August 30, 2023 – BankNewport has awarded the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust a grant for the Indigenous Roots Forever Food Access Program. The program builds backyard gardens for Indigenous families and then trains the families in caring for those gardens using traditional practices. It is the brainchild of Musquant Nompashim Netas (aka Irving “Rocky” Johnson), leader of the Ninigret Nehantic Nahaganset Clan and Chief Sequan Pijaki, Chairman of the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe.

The grant is provided through BankNewport’s All In Giving program, which supports nonprofit work that focuses on basic human needs, children and families, education, economic security, healthy lives, arts and culture, and the environment.

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to extend a $5,000 grant to the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust to support this very important initiative that not only provides food for Indigenous families in need but also a measure of self-sufficiency while ensuring that native traditions are carried forth to the next generation,” said Jack Murphy, President and CEO, BankNewport.

“We are grateful for this new partnership with BankNewport and look forward to building a more equitable food system together,” says Chief Sequan Pijaki. “Not only does the Indigenous Roots Forever Food Access Program provide food for people, but it also reconnects the people to the land and to their culture.”

Rocky understands that this work goes beyond food security. “Food brings people together and strengthens communities. It’s a different kind of medicine.”

Pictured (from left-to-right):

Musquant Nompashim Netas (aka Irving “Rocky” Johnson), Leader of the Ninigret Nehantic Nahaganset Clan; and Lynn Wagner, Vice President/Narragansett Branch Manager, BankNewport