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Mabel Avant (1892-1964) was an important figure for the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, known most for her service as town clerk, and leading historian. Mabel belonged to one of the tribe’s oldest families, the Pocknetts. Avant was married to George Avant and had several children. Avant spent a lot of time telling traditional tribal stories to children, who would flock to her with excitement to hear stories about their tribe. Avant was a poet, most famous for her poem, “Reveries of a Wampanoag Chief”, that has become a classic amongst the Mashpee tribe. Avant’s poem “Reveries of a Wampanoag Chief,” has become a Mashpee classic and is often recited at public events, and gatherings, and was republished three times in Mashpee authors’ books.

Over her years Avant was involved with many political campaigns, and social work. In 1929 Avant ran for tax collector. Avant was an elected official for the Town of Mashpee. She then became a member and officer of the Old Indian Church in 1934, where every citizen and voter belonging to the Mashpee Tribe. In 1935 Avant ran for tribal office but was not elected. That same year she also ran a “feminist” ticket in 1935 and was the first woman in Mashpee history to see the post of Selectman and assessor. Mrs Avant’s slate of candidates covered all 10 town offices that had to be covered that year, and was evenly divided with 5 men and 5 women. The women on her ticket were: Mrs Floa E. Amos for town clerk, Mrs Bessie Sturgis for school committee, Mrs Sturgis for library trustee, and Mrs Emma O. Mills for town treasurer as tax collector. In 1962, Avant was hired as matron to live at the barracks at the Cap Cod Community College alongside police officer, Lawrence A. O'Rourke. The College was providing housing for 42 African Americans that were shipped up North by Southern segregationist.