The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, also known as the People of the First Light, has been Stewards of the pond and surrounding land and water for over 12,000 years. Poor water quality in the pond and the Sanuit River has affected the Tribe’s ability to fish, hunt, gather, recreate, and connect to surrounding natural resources. Santuit’s increasingly hazardous water quality has threatened their livelihoods, historical connection to the land, identity, and overall cultural connection to the water source.