Thea Hopkins, a singer-songwriter and member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe, recently joined Boston Public Radio to share her heritage and perspectives on Native American Heritage Month. Her music, described as "red roots Americana," reflects her deep connection to her cultural roots and the broader American musical landscape.

Weaving Threads of Tradition and Modernity

Embracing Her "Red Roots Americana"

Thea Hopkins has a unique way of describing her musical style, coining the term "red roots Americana" to capture the essence of her sound. This term, she explains, encompasses her Indigenous heritage as well as the diverse tapestry of American roots music that has influenced her artistry. Her music serves as a bridge, blending the rich traditions of her Wampanoag ancestry with the evolving soundscape of contemporary Americana.

Hopkins' journey as a musician took an unexpected turn when she submitted her song "Jesus is on the Wire" to a songwriting contest hosted by Noel Paul Stookey of the iconic folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. Although she didn't win the contest, Stookey's subsequent outreach to request permission to perform the song marked a pivotal moment in her career. "It took me about five seconds to email back and say yes," she recalled, underscoring the profound impact of this unexpected opportunity.

The song, written in memory of Matthew Shepard, a young man killed in Wyoming for being gay, holds deep personal significance for Hopkins. "When I was a teenager, the gay community embraced me … they loved me unconditionally," she shared, reflecting on the lasting connections and sense of belonging that have shaped her artistic expression.

Amplifying Indigenous Narratives

Beyond her musical pursuits, Thea Hopkins has also emerged as a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and representation. She addressed the recent apology from President Joe Biden for the harmful impact of the Indian boarding school system on Native communities, describing it as a "symbolic effort" that requires more substantial action to truly recognize and address the lasting trauma.

Hopkins' own family history is intertwined with this painful chapter, as her grandfather attended the Carlisle Indian School, a experience he never spoke about. "My grandfather never, ever spoke about his experiences, ever," she shared, underscoring the deep and lasting impact of these institutions on Indigenous families.

Furthermore, Hopkins highlighted the lack of Indigenous representation in the Massachusetts State House's art collection, where a recent report found that only one out of hundreds of pieces depicts Native people. "There is that issue still being dealt with as far as the intentionality of what is included in history versus what is not included," she observed, emphasizing the need for greater visibility and inclusion of Indigenous narratives in mainstream cultural institutions.

A Sense of Healing and Vibrancy

Despite the challenges and historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities, Thea Hopkins sees a glimmer of hope and progress. "Within Native communities, Indian country, there's a lot of vibrancy and there's a sense of healing going on. I would say things are moving forward," she affirmed.

Her music and advocacy serve as a powerful platform to amplify Indigenous voices, celebrate cultural resilience, and foster greater understanding and representation. As Thea Hopkins continues to share her "red roots Americana" with the world, she embodies the transformative power of art and the unwavering spirit of her Wampanoag heritage.