NAHCC FOundation Supports Indigenous Recognition through Wasioto Park Renaming
© John Partipilo
As part of its mission of cultural appreciation, the NAHCC Foundation proudly participated in the successful campaign to rename Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park, restoring the original Shawnee name of the Cumberland River and honoring the region’s Indigenous history.
The campaign was led by Albert Bender, Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition (IPC), in partnership with WilCo Pow Wow, the Native American Indian Association (NAIA), the NAHCC Foundation, and the Global Education Center. Early steps included a June 7, 2024 meeting with the Metropolitan Historical Commission to discuss the historical significance of the park, followed by the launch of a public petition on July 31, 2024 to engage the community and build support for the renaming. By August 2024, a formal proposal was submitted to the Metro Parks Board, and local media coverage helped educate the public about the historical and cultural importance of the name “Wasioto.”
During the 30-day public comment period, community feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, and the Metro Parks Board voted unanimously to approve the renaming on December 3, 2024. The effort culminated in a resolution presented by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville on March 4, 2025, formally recognizing the renaming and crediting the advocacy of all partners involved.
Throughout this period, the NAHCC Foundation supported media outreach to amplify Indigenous voices, encouraged public participation to secure community engagement and support, and assisted with coalition coordination and the formal recognition process.
The renaming of Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park represents more than a symbolic change—it is a restoration of Indigenous memory, a model of coalition-building, and a step toward cultural stewardship, ensuring the region’s history is visible, respected, and preserved for future generations.
Through this initiative, the NAHCC Foundation demonstrates its ongoing commitment to cultural appreciation, community empowerment, and Indigenous visibility, ensuring that Nashville’s public spaces reflect the histories and contributions of the region’s original peoples.
Learn More:
🔗 Sign the Petition
🔗 WPLN Coverage
🔗 People’s World Coverage
🔗 Metro Parks Announcement
🔗 WSMV Coverage
🔗 Tennessean Coverage
🔗 Nashville Scene Coverage
🔗 NewsChannel 5 Coverage
The campaign was led by Albert Bender, Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition (IPC), in partnership with WilCo Pow Wow, the Native American Indian Association (NAIA), the NAHCC Foundation, and the Global Education Center. Early steps included a June 7, 2024 meeting with the Metropolitan Historical Commission to discuss the historical significance of the park, followed by the launch of a public petition on July 31, 2024 to engage the community and build support for the renaming. By August 2024, a formal proposal was submitted to the Metro Parks Board, and local media coverage helped educate the public about the historical and cultural importance of the name “Wasioto.”
During the 30-day public comment period, community feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, and the Metro Parks Board voted unanimously to approve the renaming on December 3, 2024. The effort culminated in a resolution presented by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville on March 4, 2025, formally recognizing the renaming and crediting the advocacy of all partners involved.
Throughout this period, the NAHCC Foundation supported media outreach to amplify Indigenous voices, encouraged public participation to secure community engagement and support, and assisted with coalition coordination and the formal recognition process.
The renaming of Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park represents more than a symbolic change—it is a restoration of Indigenous memory, a model of coalition-building, and a step toward cultural stewardship, ensuring the region’s history is visible, respected, and preserved for future generations.
Through this initiative, the NAHCC Foundation demonstrates its ongoing commitment to cultural appreciation, community empowerment, and Indigenous visibility, ensuring that Nashville’s public spaces reflect the histories and contributions of the region’s original peoples.
Learn More:
🔗 Sign the Petition
🔗 WPLN Coverage
🔗 People’s World Coverage
🔗 Metro Parks Announcement
🔗 WSMV Coverage
🔗 Tennessean Coverage
🔗 Nashville Scene Coverage
🔗 NewsChannel 5 Coverage
NAHCC Foundation Supports Indigenous Recognition through Wasioto Park Renaming
Celebrating Culture, Creating Opportunity, Strengthening Communities
NAHCC Foundation
PO Box 40541
Nashville, TN 37204
PO Box 40541
Nashville, TN 37204
