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Larry Spotted Crow Mann is a Native author and musician belonging to the Nipmuc tribe. At an early age, Mann developed a strong interest in the history of his tribe and since then, he has worked to educate the public about aspects of Nipmuc history and culture through various art mediums. He is very active in his role of promoting Nipmuc traditions and history: “I’m somebody who is dedicated to my culture and tradition, and through that I hope to bring forth the intrinsic connection we all have as human beings. I love to learn new things and from other cultures.” His writing and music are shaped to not only honor traditions, but also to reach out to uninformed audiences and teach them about his tribe that has been long part of American history.

Writing
Larry Spotted Crow Mann's writing career began in his youth when he wrote letters to the government in order to draw attention to issues that the Nipmuc people face. Additionally, he has been writing prose and poetry since his teens. He wrote his first book, a collection of short stories and poetry titled Tales from the Whispering Basket, because he wanted not only to acknowledge Nipmuc history, culture, and contributions to the foundations of America, but also to explore his ability to write in different genres. He has also contributed to Indian Country Today Media Network.

While the majority of his work details Nipmuc culture and history, Mann also branches out to write about themes that aren’t directly related to his people’s heritage. In Tales from the Whispering Basket, he writes about themes such as loss, racial differences, and loneliness. One of the short stories from his book titled “Deadly Deeds” describes a man from the fictional town “Namtac” leasing a small cottage in the town of “Dinac.” While initially the townsfolk are puzzled by his presence at first, they come to harass and assault him four weeks after he rents the cottage. After uncomfortably living there for a year, he takes a look at the lease again only to be shocked:

As I read the fine print, I freaked out so bad I coughed up hair! It states:

’We the citizens and the town of Dinac shall only lease and rent to our kind. All others may stay for a respite but must depart after four weeks. Those who choose to stay past that time period risk life and limb. All those who stay one year shall be eaten!’

So, do you see my dilemma? I’m not a ‘Dinac,’ I’m a ‘Namtac!’ Those Dinac’s have been barking and chasing my kind for centuries! We scratch and fight but I’m stranded and outnumbered! I hear them coming! So, please, read your lease well lest you end up renting from a bunch of dogs!

While not directly connected to his work with Nipmuc history and culture, this story does discuss the idea of a group of people united under a common distinction (such as what race they belong to, where they come from, where they live now, etc.) oppressing another group, a familiar topic for Native Americans.

Music
As a musician, he is a member of the Quabbin Lake Singers, along with his three sons Anoki, Nantai, and Manixit. The group has a focus on upholding and honoring culture with their music – during performances, the four wear traditional clothing to honor their ancestors. Mann holds the role of Drum Keeper in the group, a role that requires him to “ensure the Drum is being honored and played in a manner for the particular ceremony taking place.” The Drum is a sacred object in Native American culture that must be respected, as it is “the heart beat of Mother Earth” and “allows us to pray and communicate with the natural elements of the world and beyond.”

Other projects
In addition to his work as a writer and musician, Mann has appeared in two documentaries about Native Americans: Living In Two Worlds and First Patriots. He was also cast in Chris Eyre's PBS documentary series We Shall Remain.

Personal Life
With his wife, daughter, and three sons, Mann currently lives in Webster, Massachusetts in Worchester County, a place where his ancestors have lived “since time immemorial.” However, Mann was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. He explains that growing up there in the 1980′s was difficult for him due to his identity as a Native American: “When you’re not black or white you become the ‘other’ which no kid wants to be.” Despite his people’s history in the area, he still felt different and out-of-place among the other kids: “Our people have always been here, but when you’re a kid and there are very few people who can identify with who you are, you actually begin to feel like an outsider on the very Earth your people have been on for thousands of years.”

Books

 * Tales from the Whispering Basket. 2011.

Articles for Indian Country Today Media Network

 * "Native People Are Still Being Misinterpreted and Misunderstood"
 * "Last Thoughts on Columbus Day—For This Year, at Least"
 * "Mitt Romney Proves Yet Again Just How Out of Touch He Is"