Native lands?

It seems that the Wampanoag, the Native American tribe that sat down and broke bread at the first Thanksgiving, may have some ties to East Boston -- or, at least, they may be trying to find some.

Today's Cape Cod Times notes that New York businessman Richard Fields, whose Coastal Development recently purchased a controlling share in Suffolk Downs, is now positioned as a competitor to the Wampanoag, as both attempt to bring casino gambling to Massachusetts.

Toward the end of the story, the tribe implies that, just maybe, the two groups could work together to develop -- if gambling became legal in the Bay State -- a casino project at Suffolk Downs: "[S]uch a facility would have to be located on land that has cultural and historic ties to the tribe, according to federal law ... Wampanoag spokesman Scott Ferson said it's possible East Boston would fit the bill..."

The tribe is usually associated with the Cape and southeastern Massachusetts. I have read nothing about their exploits in the Boston area, but it is certainly possible that the Wampanoag spent time on the islands that now make up Eastie. If someone digs around enough they'll probably find arrowheads and bones.

Personally, I am against the idea of casinos in this state, and especially in my neighborhood. It does seem, however, that we'll get them eventually.