The Pauquunaukit (anglicized as “Pokanoket,” meaning “land at the clearing”) are the First People of the land of Sowams, better known today as the towns of Bristol, Warren, Barrington, and East Providence in the state of Rhode Island. The Pokanoket have played a prominent role in the Indigenous and colonial history of these lands. At the time of the first contact with Europeans, the Pokanoket were the headship tribe to which over 60 tribes, bands, and clans throughout New England held tribute, under the inherited leadership of the Massasoit, or “great leader.” The Pokanoket leader, the Massasoit Ousamequin, welcomed the English at Plymouth, but the nation was soon devastated by war and exile, followed by centuries of official persecution. However, the Pokanoket have survived through four centuries of colonial occupation, and are currently thriving. They openly share the richness of their culture and heritage with non-Indigenous neighbors and welcome the support and engagement of the broader community. The Pokanoket also seek to restore free access to their most sacred site, Potumtuk (also known as Mt. Hope), the location of the Brown University Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology. Decolonization is an important step towards equity and justice in Rhode Island, and in this spirit, the Pokanoket proudly declare that they are here and they are now.