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The Narragansett language is classified as belonging to the Indo-European language family.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Narragansett language is classified as part of the Algonquian language family, not the Indo-European family.
Roger Williams documented the Narragansett language in his 1643 work, 'A Key Into the Language of America.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Roger Williams, a significant figure in early colonial history and linguistic study, documented the Narragansett language in his seminal 1643 publication, 'A Key Into the Language of America.'
The Narragansett language belongs to which language family?
Answer: Algonquian
Explanation: The Narragansett language is classified as a member of the Algonquian language family.
What significant linguistic work did Roger Williams create concerning the Narragansett language?
Answer: 'A Key Into the Language of America' (1643)
Explanation: Roger Williams produced the seminal work 'A Key Into the Language of America' in 1643, which served as a foundational documentation of the Narragansett language.
Which of the following English words is mentioned as being adopted from Narragansett or related languages?
Answer: Papoose
Explanation: The word 'papoose' is cited as an example of an English word adopted from Narragansett or related Algonquian languages.
Giovanni de Verrazzano was the first European to make contact with the Narragansett people.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical records indicate that the Italian explorer Giovanni de Verrazzano, sailing for France, was the first European explorer to make contact with the Narragansett people in 1524.
During the Pequot War of 1637, the Narragansetts sided with the Pequot tribe against the New England colonists.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to siding with the Pequots, the Narragansett Tribe allied with the New England colonists during the Pequot War of 1637.
King Philip's War began in 1675 following the execution of three Wampanoag men for the death of John Sassamon.
Answer: True
Explanation: The escalation of hostilities into King Philip's War in 1675 was precipitated by the execution of three Wampanoag individuals accused of the murder of John Sassamon, a figure who had previously acted as an intermediary.
The Great Swamp Fight occurred in 1675 as a preemptive strike by the United Colonies against a Narragansett fortress.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Great Swamp Fight, a pivotal event in King Philip's War, took place in December 1675 and involved a preemptive assault by colonial forces on a major Narragansett stronghold.
The Narragansett territory in the 17th century extended westward into parts of modern-day Connecticut.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 17th century, the Narragansett territory encompassed lands west of Narragansett Bay, extending into regions that are now part of eastern Connecticut and southeastern Massachusetts.
The 1880-1884 period saw the state successfully 'detribalize' the Narragansett people, ending their tribal status permanently.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the state engaged in 'detribalization' efforts between 1880 and 1884, these actions did not permanently end the Narragansett people's tribal status, as the tribe continued to assert its identity and rights.
Thomas, son of George, known as 'King Tom,' ruled during a period when most Narragansett land was sold.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thomas, referred to as 'King Tom,' succeeded his father as sachem in 1746, and his tenure coincided with a period marked by the significant sale of Narragansett tribal lands.
Which explorer visited Narragansett Bay in 1524, marking the first European contact with the Narragansett people?
Answer: Giovanni de Verrazzano
Explanation: Giovanni de Verrazzano, an Italian explorer sailing under the French flag, visited Narragansett Bay in 1524, marking the initial documented European encounter with the Narragansett people.
How did the Narragansetts initially respond to the Plymouth Colony in the fall of 1621?
Answer: They sent a threatening message (arrows wrapped in a snakeskin).
Explanation: In the fall of 1621, the Narragansetts conveyed a message of defiance to the Plymouth Colony by sending arrows wrapped in a snakeskin, a symbolic challenge.
What was the Narragansett's role during the Pequot War of 1637?
Answer: They allied with the New England colonists.
Explanation: During the Pequot War of 1637, the Narragansett Tribe allied with the New England colonists, providing crucial support in the conflict.
What event is cited as the trigger for King Philip's War in 1675?
Answer: The discovery of John Sassamon's body and the subsequent hanging of three Wampanoag men.
Explanation: King Philip's War in 1675 was triggered by the discovery of John Sassamon's body and the subsequent execution of three Wampanoag men, which led to open conflict.
What happened to many Narragansett survivors after King Philip's War?
Answer: They were sold into slavery or became indentured servants.
Explanation: Following King Philip's War, many surviving Narragansetts faced enslavement, being sold into servitude both domestically and in the Caribbean, or became indentured servants within the colonies.
The Supreme Court ruling in *Carcieri v. Salazar* allowed tribes recognized after 1934 to have newly acquired lands placed into federal trust.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Supreme Court ruling in *Carcieri v. Salazar* determined that tribes federally recognized after the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 could not have newly acquired lands placed into federal trust.
The Narragansett Tribe regained federal recognition in 1978.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Narragansett Tribe officially regained federal recognition in 1983, not 1978.
The 1978 Joint Memorandum of Understanding (JMOU) settled the Narragansett land claim by transferring 1,800 acres to a state-controlled corporation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1978 Joint Memorandum of Understanding (JMOU) settled the land claim by transferring 1,800 acres for the benefit of descendants, but these lands were placed under a state-controlled corporation, and state laws applied with specific exceptions.
The legal dispute over the 2003 smoke shop raid was ultimately resolved in favor of tribal sovereignty, overturning the state police action.
Answer: False
Explanation: The legal dispute over the 2003 smoke shop raid was complex; while initially leaning towards tribal sovereignty, later decisions based on the 1978 JMOU stipulated that state laws applied, effectively limiting the scope of tribal sovereignty in that instance.
In the case of *Carcieri v. Salazar*, what was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding land acquisition for tribes recognized after 1934?
Answer: Tribes recognized after 1934 could not have newly acquired lands taken into federal trust.
Explanation: The Supreme Court ruled in *Carcieri v. Salazar* that tribes federally recognized after the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 were ineligible to have newly acquired lands placed into federal trust.
What was the outcome of the 1978 Joint Memorandum of Understanding (JMOU) regarding the Narragansett land claim?
Answer: The land claim was settled, with 1,800 acres transferred for the benefit of descendants, and state laws applying with exceptions.
Explanation: The 1978 JMOU resolved the land claim by transferring 1,800 acres to a corporation established for the benefit of descendants listed on the 1880 Narragansett Roll. In exchange, the tribe consented to the application of Rhode Island laws on these lands, with specified exceptions for hunting and fishing.
When did the Narragansett Tribe officially regain federal recognition?
Answer: 1983
Explanation: The Narragansett Tribe officially regained federal recognition in the year 1983.
What was the central issue in the dispute between the Narragansett Tribe and Rhode Island state police in 2003?
Answer: Failure to pay state taxes on cigarette sales at a tribe-run smoke shop.
Explanation: The central issue in the 2003 dispute was the Narragansett Tribe's refusal to pay state taxes on cigarette sales at a tribally operated smoke shop, leading to a raid by state police.
The Narragansett Indian Reservation is located entirely within the state of Rhode Island.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Narragansett Indian Reservation, comprising 1,800 acres of trust lands, is situated in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
The Narragansett Tribe is currently led by an elected tribal council and a chief sachem.
Answer: True
Explanation: Contemporary leadership of the Narragansett Tribe consists of an elected tribal council and a chief sachem, reflecting established governance structures.
The Narragansett Tribe incorporated in 1900 and built their traditional longhouse in 1940.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Narragansett Tribe formally incorporated in 1900, and subsequently constructed their traditional longhouse, a significant cultural structure, in 1940.
The Narragansett Tribe's membership criteria currently requires direct descent from ancestors listed on the 1900 tribal roll.
Answer: False
Explanation: Current Narragansett tribal membership criteria require direct descent from ancestors listed on the 1880-84 Roll, not the 1900 tribal roll.
What is the primary modern identification of the Narragansett people?
Answer: Citizens of the federally recognized Narragansett Indian Tribe headquartered in Rhode Island
Explanation: The primary modern identification of the Narragansett people is as citizens of the federally recognized Narragansett Indian Tribe, headquartered in Rhode Island.
What was the specific purpose for the 31 acres purchased by the Narragansetts in Charlestown in 1991?
Answer: To develop elderly housing
Explanation: The 31 acres purchased by the Narragansetts in Charlestown in 1991 were specifically designated for the development of elderly housing.
Who held the position of Chief Sachem in March 2025?
Answer: Anthony Dean Stanton (Crawling Wolf)
Explanation: As of March 2025, Anthony Dean Stanton, known by his tribal name Crawling Wolf, held the position of Chief Sachem for the Narragansett Tribe.
What is the current requirement for Narragansett tribal membership regarding ancestry?
Answer: Direct descent from one or more members listed on the 1880-84 Roll.
Explanation: Current membership in the Narragansett Tribe requires demonstrating direct lineal descent from individuals listed on the 1880-84 Roll.
What trend among tribes in the 21st century is reflected in the Narragansett Tribe's membership review process?
Answer: Closing rolls and denying new applications due to internal rivalries and potential revenues.
Explanation: The Narragansett Tribe's process of reviewing tribal rolls and reassessing membership applications mirrors a broader trend among Indigenous nations in the 21st century. This trend is often influenced by internal dynamics and potential revenues, leading to the closure of membership rolls and the denial of new applications.
The Narragansett annual powwow is considered the second oldest recorded powwow in North America.
Answer: False
Explanation: While significant, the Narragansett annual powwow is considered the oldest recorded powwow in North America, dating back to at least 1675, rather than the second oldest.
The name 'Narragansett' is believed by some to mean 'people of the large islands.'
Answer: False
Explanation: While interpretations vary, a prominent belief among present-day Narragansett people is that their name signifies 'people of the little points and bays,' not 'people of the large islands.'
Which of the following is a proposed meaning for the name 'Narragansett'?
Answer: People of the little points and bays
Explanation: A prominent interpretation suggests that the name 'Narragansett' signifies 'people of the little points and bays,' reflecting the geography of their ancestral lands.
What is the significance of the Narragansett annual powwow's grand entry?
Answer: It includes a procession of military veterans, dancers, honored tribal representatives, and the lighting of a sacred fire.
Explanation: The grand entry of the Narragansett annual powwow is a significant ceremonial procession that includes military veterans, dancers, honored tribal representatives, and the lighting of a sacred fire.
The Salt Pond Archaeological Site provides evidence of a settled community from the early Archaic period.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Salt Pond Archaeological Site provides evidence of a settled community from the Late Woodland period, not the early Archaic period.
Ellison 'Tarzan' Brown won the Boston Marathon three times.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ellison 'Tarzan' Brown, a notable Narragansett athlete, won the Boston Marathon twice, in 1936 and 1939, not three times.
Nancy Elizabeth Prophet was a notable Narragansett musician.
Answer: False
Explanation: Nancy Elizabeth Prophet was a notable Narragansett artist, recognized primarily for her work as a sculptor, not as a musician.
Loren Spears is recognized for her work as a historian and curator of the Tomaquag Museum.
Answer: True
Explanation: Loren Spears is indeed recognized for her significant contributions as an educator, writer, and director of the Tomaquag Museum, playing a vital role in preserving and sharing Indigenous history and culture.
The discovery of 78 kernels of corn at the Point Judith Pond site provided the first physical evidence of maize cultivation by Algonquin tribes in that region.
Answer: True
Explanation: The finding of 78 corn kernels at the Point Judith Pond archaeological site was significant as it offered the earliest physical evidence of maize cultivation by Algonquin tribes in this northern Atlantic coastal region.
The village discovered at the Salt Pond Archaeological Site is significant because it is:
Answer: One of the few complete Native American coastal villages from the Late Woodland period found in the Northeast.
Explanation: The Salt Pond Archaeological Site holds significance as one of the few remarkably complete Native American coastal villages from the Late Woodland period discovered in the Northeastern United States, offering evidence of a settled community with structures for housing, food storage, and maize cultivation.
Which notable Narragansett athlete won the Boston Marathon twice?
Answer: Ellison 'Tarzan' Brown
Explanation: Ellison 'Tarzan' Brown, a distinguished Narragansett athlete, achieved victory in the Boston Marathon on two occasions.
Nancy Elizabeth Prophet is recognized for her work in which artistic field?
Answer: Sculpture
Explanation: Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, an artist of African-Narragansett descent, is primarily recognized for her significant contributions to the field of sculpture.
Who was Princess Red Wing?
Answer: A historian, museum curator, and Squaw Sachem.
Explanation: Princess Red Wing (1896-1987) was a prominent historian, museum curator, and served as the Squaw Sachem of the New England Council of Chiefs.
What was the significance of the 78 kernels of corn found at the Point Judith Pond archaeological site?
Answer: They provided the first physical evidence of maize cultivation by Algonquin tribes this far north on the Atlantic Coast.
Explanation: The 78 corn kernels discovered at the Point Judith Pond site were significant because they constituted the first physical evidence of maize cultivation by Algonquin tribes in this northern Atlantic coastal region.