Wayland Police Debut New Badge Designed With Nipmuc Nation

WAYLAND, MA — The Wayland Police Department is likely the first in the state to redesign badges in collaboration with local Indigenous people.

The department unveiled the new badge design this week, which was created with help from Hassanamisco Band of Nipmucs and Wayland historians. The badge features more culturally and historically accurate depictions of Indigenous people, plus local landmarks like the Wayland Depot and the Old Towne Bridge.

"Native American culture is an integral part of the history of our nation, state and Wayland, and we are so pleased to have a badge that represents the rich culture of our area and the important and lasting contributions of indigenous people," acting Chief Ed Burman said in a news release.

The badge made its debut Wednesday in a ceremony at the police department, and comes in the midst of Native American Heritage Month. Nipmuc Tribal Council member Love Richardson held a smudge ceremony for the unveiling.

Before settlers arrived in what is now Massachusetts, the Nipmuc people lived in a wide area between approximately the Connecticut River, northern Connecticut and the Wayland area. The first contact between the Nipmuc and English settlers happened in Sterling in about 1621, according to the tribe.

The Hassanamisco Nipmucs were recognized by the state in the 1970s, but have struggled to gain federal recognition. The tribe received preliminary recognition in 2001, but that decision was reversed by former president George W. Bush and has not been revisited by federal authorities.