Wampanoag tribe sues over Cape Wind

July 11, 2011|Beth Daley, Globe Staff

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) has filed a lawsuit against the federal government for allowing the proposed 130-turbine wind project to move forward in Nantucket Sound.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington last week says the wind farm will destroy historical, cultural and spiritual tribal resources located on Horseshoe Shoal which was once exposed land. It also says the wind farm will obstruct views across Nantucket Sound that are used by tribal members for spiritual rituals and contemplation.

“Cape Wind will destroy our traditional cultural property, Horseshoe Shoal and the surrounding Nantucket Sound, where our Tribe has flourished and continues to utilize for significant cultural and spiritual ceremonies and practices,” said Bettina Washington, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.