Turtle Island Community Capital

TICC partnered with the Pokanoket Tribe and the Center for Indigenous People’s Rights (CIPR) to support the Tribe’s stewardship of Potumtuk, 255 acres of sacred ancestral land in Rhode Island. Recently returned after centuries of disenfranchisement, establishing a framework for Indigenous-led
economic development.

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In a historic step toward Indigenous economic sovereignty and cultural preservation, Turtle Island Community Capital is honored to announce our partnership with the Pokanoket Tribe and the Center for Indigenous People’s Rights (CIPR). This collaboration centers around the stewardship of Potumtuk—255 acres of sacred ancestral land in Bristol, Rhode Island, recently returned to the Pokanoket Tribe by Brown University after centuries of separation.

A Sacred Return

Potumtuk represents far more than acres of land. For the Pokanoket people, this territory holds profound spiritual and cultural significance, with connections maintained since time immemorial. The recent return of this land marks a pivotal moment in addressing historical injustice and creating pathways for Indigenous-led stewardship.

As Alexander Sterling, CEO of Turtle Island Community Capital, reflects: “This collaboration is not about us—it’s about supporting the Pokanoket Tribe’s rightful stewardship of their ancestral lands and creating a model that other indigenous communities might adapt for their own journeys toward economic sovereignty.”

A Framework for Indigenous-Led Development

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between our three organizations establishes a clear framework: the Pokanoket Tribe will lead this groundbreaking initiative, with TICC and CIPR serving in supporting roles to help realize the Tribe’s vision for Potumtuk.

This three-year initiative will focus on developing:

1. Cultural Resource Management Plan

This tribally-led approach will preserve sacred sites, conduct archaeological assessments when appropriate, and create educational resources that accurately represent Indigenous history, present, and future. The plan will ensure that cultural preservation remains at the heart of all development decisions.

2. Sustainable Economic Pathways

Together, we’ll identify potential economic opportunities—such as cultural tourism, Indigenous-led education programs, and traditional agriculture—that can generate revenue while maintaining the land’s integrity and cultural significance. These pathways will be developed with deep respect for the Tribe’s values and priorities.

3. Financial Capacity Building

TICC will provide culturally-responsive financial education and management training for tribal members and institutions involved in land stewardship. This support ensures sustainable resource management while building economic sovereignty.

4. Governance Structure

A comprehensive framework will be developed to ensure culturally-appropriate stewardship that honors Indigenous governance principles. This structure will prioritize the Pokanoket Tribe’s leadership while establishing effective collaborative processes.

A Model for the Future

By uniting Indigenous leadership with legal expertise and financial capacity building, this partnership creates a powerful model for addressing historical injustice through collaborative action. The outcome will be a replicable framework for Indigenous communities throughout Rhode Island and beyond to achieve cultural preservation alongside economic sovereignty.

“This work represents what’s possible when Indigenous leadership is centered and supported with appropriate resources,” notes Sterling. “We can heal historical trauma while building sustainable futures through thoughtful collaboration and equitable partnership.”

Looking Forward

As this partnership takes its first steps, we recognize the profound significance of this moment—not just for the Pokanoket Tribe, but for all who believe in the importance of Indigenous stewardship and economic sovereignty. The journey ahead will require patience, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to equity and justice.

TICC extends our deepest gratitude to the Pokanoket Tribe for entrusting us with this partnership and to CIPR for bringing essential legal expertise to this collaborative effort. Together, we embark on a path that honors the past while creating new possibilities for the future.

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Special thanks to The Pokanoket Tribe and The Center for Indigenous People’s Rights (CIPR).

To learn more about the The Pokanoket Tribe, please visit https://pokanokettribe.com/

Turtle Island Community Capital (TICC) is dedicated to providing equitable access to financing and resources for Native entrepreneurs and LIDAC communities. Our mission is to empower native communities by fostering economic sovereignty through sustainable investments and culturally-responsive financial services.