Kate Albrecht, Clerk, (2018 – present) – “My family stressed we live on Indian lands, eat Indian foods, medicines, and follow a watered-down Iroquoian-based democracy. Our map is filled with Indian words, but we aren’t taught about who spoke the words or what they mean (I’m) fully aware that my ancestor’s (Anglo-Celtic, French) actions led to my childhood experience of having no Indian neighbors and playmates. (I am) drawn to earth-based spirituality, sought Native American cultural wisdom, activism and studies in school. Actions today may move us towards rebalancing relations between peoples, Earth and all our relations. Kate is now retired from working as volunteer coordinator at the Food Bank.
David Brule, President, (2014 – present) – David is a member of the Nehantic Tribal Council. He was also the coordinator of the thirteen yearlong National Park Service Battlefield Protection Program. The goal was to identify the likely locations of King Philip’s War (1675-76) Peskeompskut (Turners Falls) battlefields and associated sites including the Native American communities of Peskeompskut and Wissatinnewag. This study was done in partnership with an archaeologist, tribal members representing five different tribes, and the historic commissions of five towns. The project concluded with a comprehensive report in 2025. David is in demand as a speaker and historical resource, particularly in the Connecticut River Valley, to help others get an understanding of what really happened here. David is retired after many years teaching in the Amherst-Pelham school system.
Diane Dix, (2013 -present) is a founding member of the Nolumbeka Project which was incorporated in 2009. She participated in all aspects of research that led to the 1989 publication of the groundbreaking book “Manitou: The Sacred Landscape of New England’s Native Civilization”. During those years her eyes were opened to the truth about the Northeastern tribes. She felt cheated, humiliated, betrayed and resentful, which became powerful motivation to want to help correct the record and share this knowledge widely. She is a grandmother, retired journalist and experienced events planner.
Jennifer Lee (2020 – present) is Northern Narragansett, a grandmother, bark basket maker, and educator. She has been bringing programs to area schools, often including an Eastern conical wigwam, for over 30 years. In 2022 she produced an educational video for the schools in the Valley called “Indigenous Voices of the Connecticut River Valley Massachusetts” funded by grants including from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation and the support of 50 Local Cultural Councils in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties.
Charlie Olchowski- Treasurer (2025-present)
Harvard College AB in Visual & Environmental Studies Magna Cum Laude
•Syracuse University College of Law JD
•Chair, Franklin (County, MA) Regional Planning Advisory Board
•Second Vice-President, Deerfield River Watershed Association
•Councilor, Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association
•Founder, Valley Fermenters & CiderDays
•Served on several other local, regional, state, and national Organizations as Officer and/or Director
•Recipient of several awards and recognitions for legal, environmental, and community work
Brent Pitcher, (2015 – present) has been constantly curious throughout his life. He always doubted the accepted narratives: in history, in medicine, in religion, in nutrition. He is certified and licensed in Massage. He oversees the maintenance and care of the Wissatinnewag gardens and trails. He also helps preserve and catalog the Nolunbeka Project archives, artifacts, and research materials.
Cara Silverberg , (2025-Present) –