Claudia Fox Tree is Honored by The Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness

The Town of Bedford was well represented by friends, family, and community – Courtesy image (c) 2019 all rights reserved

By Jeff JHO Hoyland

Longtime friend, Erin McCormack, gave a beautiful list of all the accomplishments that Claudia has achieved in her life – Image (c) Jeff JHO Hoyland 2019 all rights reserved – Click to view larger image

Claudia Fox Tree knew she was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the 30 Year anniversary celebration of the Mass. Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA) brunch She also knew that the Lombardo’s function room was packed with people celebrating 30 years of sustained service to the Native American community.

What she did not know, that everyone else in the room knew? Claudia Fox Tree was the latest honoree for a lifetime of work to benefit the Native American community of Massachusetts.

After she announced the names of all the past honorees she expected to hear a song, and while she was seated looking through her papers, it was announced that she is the 2019 honoree.

Claudia Fox Tree MCs the 30 years celebration of MCNAA with no idea she is about to be honored

That moment Claudia is surprised with being named the 2019 honoree

Claudia suddenly realizes that everyone in the room knew except her. Even her own children kept the secret.

Her best friend Erin McCormack summoned it up this way’ “There’s so much that could be said about Claudia: from raising and nurturing her five children, all of whom are unique young adults, to her love of cats — in spite of allergies. She is a most generous friend, who opens her home and her heart. She is a responsible, insightful, committed colleague. As a role model, she has helped many of us learn to educate ourselves, serve as allies for those who seek needed change, and — to appreciate the things that sustain spirit – such as our awareness of the changing light at Equinox and Solstice – as our ancestors did. To many of us, Claudia is a real-life superhero. She creates community, where it didn’t previously exist, and she urges us to make this world a better, more inclusive place for all living beings. Thank you, Claudia.”

The MCNAA was founded in 1989 by Burne Stanley-Peters and (Slow Turtle) John A. Peters. They saw Native American culture and spirituality being sustained and preserved through events and activities; all needy Native American residents having a place to go for basic needs and scholarships; and public understanding and awareness being increased about Native American history and culture at colleges and universities. It now represents the central organization that provides services to Native Americans throughout the Commonwealth.