THE OAK TREE INSTITUTE (TOTI) is a program that began in 1999, focusing on the arts and cultural traditions of eastern Native people. The goal of TOTI is to preserve, continue, develop and present works in the arts reflective of the traditions and cultures of eastern Native people. We work towards these goals by bringing together native scholars, cultural experts and artists to work on various projects that address the preservation of eastern Native American cultures and traditions.

Our initial project is the Voices From The Oak Tree, focusing on the Wampanoag oral and literary traditions, through research and documentation. TOTI participants include Wampanoag scholars, historians and artisans, working towards the production of presentations, publications and the production of digital audio and video media. The goal of the project is to preserve and continue these traditions for future generations of the nation as well as the general public.

The Voices From The Oak Tree project includes:

- The publication of an anthology of Wampanoag tales, poetry and creative non-fiction.
- The production of documentaries and educational media by and about Wampanoag culture and history
- The production of traditional craft items by Wampanoag artisans;
- A curriculum for teaching the principles and methods of traditions and crafts to future generations.

For more information about TOTI and the Voices From The Oak Tree project, contact Mwalim (508) 999-8304.

   

     

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