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stolenrelations.bsky.social
Stolen Relations
@stolenrelations.bsky.social
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Official Bluesky of Stolen Relations: Recovering Stories of Indigenous Enslavement in the Americas. Housed at the Brown Center for Digital Scholarship @browncds.bsky.social; PI Linford Fisher @linford.bsky.social.

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(1/4) Today, in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving. Conceptualized broadly as a day of gratitude, it holds different meanings for Indigenous communities across the country. For many Native people, it represents a Day of Mourning and recognition of past harms.
November 27, 2025 at 8:35 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/4) Reprive went on to be accused of spying for Winthrop and was returned to him by the Narragansett people. For self-emancipated people like Reprive, similar webs of power often resulted in their re-enslavement. Source: The Correspondence of Roger Williams Vol I, p. 137.
To John Winthrop, 20 November 1637 Sir I rest thanckfully Satisfied in Your propounding of my Motion to the Court, and the Answere. (The Earth is Jehovahs, and the Plenitude of it.) I am not a litle glad that the Lot is fallen upon a Branch of that Roote, in whose good (present and aeternall both of Roote and Branches) I rejoice. For his sake I wish it Ground and Grasse, and Trees, yet what use so ever he please to make of it I desire he would not spare to make use of me in any Service toward the Natives on it or about it. Miantunnomu in his Relations of passages in the Bay with you, thanckfull acknowledges to my Selfe and others your loving Cariage to him and promiseth to send forth word to all Natives to cease from Prudence Trees etc. Since Your letter I travelled up to Nayantaquit by Land where I heard Reprive was. There the Sachim (to whome he adheres Wepiteammock) and the people related that he was gone to his wife to Monhiggin: allso that he Wepiteammock had sent to Onkas advising and urging the Retune but he could not prevaile, and that if Reprive come within his Reach he will send him (though alone without his wife) however.
November 24, 2025 at 4:27 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/5) The Stolen Relations archive contains stories that illustrate this longer history, like when, 160 years ago, a ten year old Native girl living on a North Fork, CA, rancheria faced kidnapping by two white men.
INDIAN KILLED.—Near North Fork of Cottonwood, week before last, a most cowardly and barbarous murder was committed. It seems that two white barbarians went to an Indian rancheria in that neighborhood, for the purpose of getting possession of an Indian girl about ten years old. This attempt at forcible possession was resisted by the mother of the child, assisted by a crippled Indian boy, the only one in the rancheria. The resistance of this prior cripple so exasperated the villains that one of them seized him by the top of the head, while with his knife he first cut his throat and then stabbed him to the knife hilt, and to wreak his vengeance fully, turned the knife in the wound several times, then withdrawing it, again stabbed his victim, turning the knife as before, repeating the act until life was extinct. While this butchery was going on the girl and her mother made their escape. In a few days after the fiends burnt the rancheria. There is nothing but the dead body and Indian testimony to prove the above, and though it is convincing, it is not enough, under the law, to punish the miscreants.—White men who live with Indians habitually, should do so subject to Indian testimony; and we think a law to that effect would be wise and proper.
November 19, 2025 at 7:17 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/5) Today we observe Red Shawl Day. This is a day of recognition for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Today, in the United States, Indigenous women face violence at more than ten times the national average, and these instances of violence are often unprosecuted.
November 19, 2025 at 7:17 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(4/4) Source: America's Historical Newspapers. Pennsylvania Gazette, November 15, 1753. #indigenoushistory #indigenous #history #colonialhistory #historicalresearch #Pennsylvania #Pennsylvaniahistory #newspaper #enslavement #indenture
Lancaster, October 31, 1753. THis day was committed to the goal of this county, on suspicion of being a runaway servant, Indian Thomas, who says he’s a free man, and served his time with Samuel Lippincut, near Mount-holly ironworks, in the Jerseys. And on the day following Abigail Allen, who says she’s a freewoman, and served her time with John Rowls, in Chester. These are to desire their masters to come or send for them, otherwise they will be sold to pay their cost, by JOHN CLARK, Goal-keeper. The. 6 W.
November 14, 2025 at 5:36 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(5/5) #nativeamericanheritagemonth #nativeamerican#native #indigenous #indigenoushistory#americanhistory #history #indigenousactivism
November 2, 2025 at 2:21 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(4/4) Source: Chronicling America. The Brownsville Daily Herald, September 9, 1898. #indigenoushistory #history #indigenous #colonialhistory #historicalresearch #massachusettshistory #massachusetts #newspaper
[1] Belton, Tex., Sept. 5—Colonol H. C. Denny of this city has a unique document in the shape of a will made by an ancestor. Henry Jaques, in Newburyport, Essex county, Mass., on the 30th day of October, 1686. […] After going on to provide for his children and grandchildren, he says that "whereas my Jasper, my Indian, hath been a good servant to me, my will is that she shall serve my executor well and faithfully six years after my decease, and then he shall have his freedom, being by my executor set at liberty.”
November 2, 2025 at 1:54 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(4/4) Source: America’s Historical Newspapers. Boston News-Letter, October 25, 1708. #indigenoushistory #history #indigenous #colonialhistory #historicalresearch #massachusettshistory #massachusetts #newspaper
[4] AN Indian Boy aged about 10 years to be Sold, Inquire at the Post-Office in Boston and know further.
October 26, 2025 at 3:04 AM
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(4/4) Source: Soldiers in King Philip's War, by George Madison Bodge (1891), page 69. #indigenoushistory #history #indigenous #nipmuc #colonialhistory #historicalresearch #massachusettshistory #massachusetts #militaryhistory
October 19, 2025 at 2:54 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/5) Today we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day. Looking at the history of Indigenous enslavement helps us to understand why this is fully appropriate.

#IndigenousPeoplesDay #Indigenous #ColumbusDay #Columbus #IndigenousHistory #IndigenousPeople
October 13, 2025 at 8:39 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(4/4) Source: Minutes of the Council and General Court of Colonial Virginia: 1622-1632, 1670-1676, page 424, 542. #indigenoushistory #history #indigenous #susquehannock #haudenosaunee #colonialhistory #assimilation #historicalresearch #virginiahistory #virginia #legalhistory
[424] It is Orderd by This Honoble Court that the Susquahannah Indians doe Still Continue in the possession of the Land they are now upon, Untill the Right Honoble the Governor Shall ordr to the Contrary and that Capt Wm Bird Goe upp to the aforesaid Indians & Demand two Hostages of them & take Care that they are ye Children of Great men & Betweene four & Eight years of Age. [542] Bird, Capt. William… to demand hostages of Susquehanna Indians, 425.
October 13, 2025 at 1:12 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/3) Included in the LOC manuscript collection are the papers of the Federal Writers Project, a 1930s interview project of those who lived through enslavement. These papers notably consider enslavement from the perspective of enslaved people, rather than that of legal owners and masters.
The logo of the Library of Congress An example of a document from the Library of Congress: 320144 2 MEMORIES OF UNCLE JACKSON I was born in 1851, in the yard where my owner lived next door to the City Hall. I remember when they was finishin' up the City Hall. I also remember the foreman, Mr. James Walker, he was general manager. The overseen (overseer) was Mr. Keen. I remember all the bricklayers; they all was colored. The man that plastered the City Hall was named George Price, he plastered it inside. The men that plastered the City Hall outside and put those colum's up in the front, their names was Robert Finey and William Finey, they both was colored. Jim Art is now a contractor an' builder. He done a lot of work 'round Wilmin'ton.
October 7, 2025 at 4:55 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/3) Orange Shirt Day, or the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a Canadian day of remembrance for the forced assimilation and cultural genocide experienced by Indigenous children in the Canadian boarding school system.

#orangeshirtday #indigenoushistory #boardingschools #history
September 30, 2025 at 10:03 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/3) The Rhode Island Historical Society, a historical society based in Providence, RI, which maintains the Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, is another example of the range of sources used to find unfree Native people across the historical record.

#history #indigenoushistory #research
The Rhode Island Historical Society Mary Elizabeth Robinson Research Center, in Providence, Rhode Island An example of a document from the Rhode Island Historical Society: This Indenture made the [empty space] day of June In the yeare one thousand seven Hundred and fifteene wittnesseth that Bette Tientiahchu widow to the Late Deceased John Tientiahchu Indian and Inhabitant within the Township of Providence In the Colony of Road Island and said providence plantations Have by these presents put placed and Bound my Daughter Hannah Tientiahchu being a fatherlis Child as a servant with Martha Sheldon of the Town of providence and Colony of Road Island a fore said and as a servant with her the said Martha Sheldon to Dwell Her Heirs and Assigns from the day of the Date of these presents untill the said Hannah shall Come to be of the Age Eighteene yeares the said Hannah being at the time of the Insealing and Deliveri of these presents Come to be of the Age of ten [empty space] by and Durering all which time and terms the said Hannah shall Her said mistris Martha Sheldon well and faithfully serve In all such Lawfull business as the said Hannah shall be put unto according to her power will and ability and Honestly and obediently In all things shall Behave Her self towards her said mistirs: and orderly and Honestly towards all the family of the said Martha Sheldon: and the said Martha Sheldon for her part promiseth the said Hannah In the knowledg and occupation of House Hold work which she useth after the best manner that she Can or may coach or Instruct or Cause to be taught and Informed as much as there Unto Beloungeth or In any wise appertaineth and also Dureing all the said terme to find unto the said servant meat Drink Linnin woollen Hose shoose and other things needfull or meet for a servant and to Let the said Hannah have two sutes of apparriel at the End of said terme one for Holladaies and another for worke daies In witness where I have here unto set my Hand and seal the Day and yeare first above written Signed sealed and Delivered In the presence of ^^^^^
September 30, 2025 at 7:37 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/3) Sampson’s self-emancipation and John’s departure were advertised two days later, in the hopes of returning Sampson to his Indenture and bringing John to justice for leaving the ship and aiding Sampson’s escape. Source: America’s Historical Newspapers. Newport Mercury, October 9, 1769.
RAN AWAY from the Subscriber, the 27th of this inst. Sept. from on board the sloop Dolphin, Sampson Ezekiel, a Mustee, indented servant, about 24 years of age, with curled black hair, sometimes tied up, his forehead shaved, a wellset fellow: Had on a dark homespun Jacket, no stockings, canvas shoes, and pinchback buckles, who plays well on the fiddle: And also one John Saunders, (an Indian) about the same age, a short, wellset fellow, pitted with the small-pox, who was shipped to go a whaling voyage on board said sloop, and received forty-five pounds to perform the same; which two fellows in the night, broke open two chests in said sloop, stole and carried away two checked shirts and one Keg of rum, and stole the boat. Whoever takes up and secures said Sampson, that he may be brought to justice, and the master receive him again, shall have five dollars reward, and four dollars reward for bringing the said John Saunders to justice and all necessary charges paid, by me LILLIBRIDGE WORTH. Newport, Sept. 29, 1769. [78]
September 26, 2025 at 4:35 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
California and Nevada have designated today as Native American Day, a holiday meant to celebrate the culture of Indigenous Americans and their role in American society. Though not a federal holiday, we ask you to offer this same appreciation to Native people nationally today and every day.
September 26, 2025 at 4:28 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/3) The advertisement was published without any guess as to where Elles might have gone after his self-emancipation and never reprinted with or without additional information, making his fate unclear. Source: America’s Historical Newspapers. Boston News Letter, September 29, 1707.
Advertisements. Ranaway from his Master, Samuel Wentworth of Boston Merchant, on Saturday the 20 Currant, An Indian Man, Servant, named John Elles, aged about 23 years, of low Stature, a round well favour’d face, short hair: Having on a round puffe and quilted Cap, a double breasted Kersey Jacket, and round toe’d Shoes; he was bred at Mr. Ebenezar Billings’s on the Road between Boston and Rhode-Island, and bought by his Master of Mr. Ephraim Pray. Whoever shall apprehend the said Servant, and him safely convey to his said Master, or give any true Intelligence of him, so as that he may have him again, shall be well rewarded, besides all necessary Charges paid.
September 20, 2025 at 1:32 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/3) The John Carter Brown Library @jcblibrary.bsky.social, a history and humanities-centered research library of rare books, manuscripts, maps, and other primary sources at Brown University, is another example of the range of sources used to find unfree Native people across the historical record.
The John Carter Brown Library, located at Brown University An example of a source from the John Carter Brown Library An example of a record found at the John Carter Brown Library
September 17, 2025 at 3:37 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/3) Having been sold to other enslavers, relations with these individuals were likely severed once on Bermuda. Bermuda under the Sommer Islands Company, 1612-1684: Civil Records. Volume III, c. 1620-1684/5. Personal Deeds, Bonds, &c. of Settlers. Registered with the Secretary, page 310.
Memorandum: That upon this date Capt. Robert SEARLES, commander of the ship Port Royall of Jamaica, did then acknowledge to have received of Mr. Richard STAFFORD of Hm, full satisfaction in money and money’s worth for one Indian man called Po[pelo] of Popelo in the River of Somasenta, the said Indian, him the said Mr. STAFFORD or his assigns to serve the full term of ninety-nine years (if he the said Popelo shall so long live). In testimony of the truth of the premises I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above written. Henry TUCKER, Secretary.
September 13, 2025 at 1:33 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/3) America’s Historical Newspapers through Readex, a digital repository (behind a paywall) for thousands of newspaper titles spanning from the late 17th century to the 20th, is an example of a source used to find unfree Native people across the historical record.
The homepage for America's Historical Newspapers A example of a source from America's Historical Newspapers
September 9, 2025 at 3:51 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/3) Her self-emancipation was announced to the Colorado Tribune six days later. Taylor’s newspaper advertisement calling for her return was republished thrice, on September 24, October 1, and November 25, of the same year. Source: East Texas Digital Archives. Colorado Tribune, September 12, 1853.
$25 Reward. Runaway from the subscriber on Cedar Lake, on tuesday, 6th Sept., a Negro Woman, called Lucy, for whose apprehension and imprisonment, so that I can get her, I will pay the above reward of $25. Said woman is a fine looking bright mulatto, nearly white, is about 25 or 30 years of age, has straight Indian hair, and might pass for Mexican. She has a small boy child with her, and will probably endeavor to make her way into Mexico. It is believed she stole a large American horse, which she will probably ride off on, as one was taken from the neighborhood at the time of her disappearance. WILLIAM TAYLOR. Cedar Lake, Sept. 12, '53 - tf
September 6, 2025 at 11:14 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/3) Happy Labor Day! Today, as you celebrate the American Labor Movement and all of the rights and privileges brought to Americans through their activism, also remember the way that the labor of Indigenous and Black individuals has been weaponized for hundreds of years throughout history.
September 1, 2025 at 7:37 PM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/3) The inventory was completed on October 16, 1721 and the will was proved, or legally validated on October 25 of the same year. Source: Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey. Volume XXIII, page 254.
1721 Aug. 29. Lippincott, Samuel, of Northampton Township, Burlington Co., yeoman; will of. Wife Ann. Children—Job, Samuel, Patience, Ann, Elizabeth. Farm in Springfield Township, bo't of George Shinn. Home farm. Personal property (two Indians). Executors—the wife and Nathaniel Cripps. Witnesses—Zachariah Test, John Gaskell, Tho: Scattergood. Proved October 25, 1721. 1721 Oct. 16. Inventory of the personal estate, £408.13.10, proclamation money, incl. two Indians £75; made by Henry Burr and John Shinn.
August 30, 2025 at 2:39 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(1/3) Stolen Relations is proud to be partnering with the Tomaquag Museum to produce exhibits on Indigenous unfreedom and its effects on Indigenous people in the modern world. They will be coming to the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, RI, and to Brown University in Providence, RI in the near future.
August 26, 2025 at 3:58 AM
stolenrelations.bsky.social
(3/3) He took an array of clothes with him, including 2 jackets, 1 waistcoat, and trousers. Though the advertisement was originally written on July 30, it was printed four times total: August 22 and 29 and September 5 and 12. Source: America’s Historical Newspapers. Columbian Courier, August 22 1800
RUNAWAY from the Subscriber, on the night of the 21st inst. an Apprentice, named JONATHAN SOCONISH, aged 17 years, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, an Indian of the long straight hair breed: carried away with him differeut kinds of clothes, among which were a Nankeen outside Jacket and trousers, a striped Waistcoat, and a thick mixt coloured outside Jacket, &c. All persons are forbid harbouring, employing or trusting him on my account, and Masters of vessels and others are forbid taking him to Sea. Whoever will take up and return said Apprentice shall receive One Dollar reward and necessary charges paid by PHILIP CORY. Tiverton, July 30, 1800.
August 23, 2025 at 3:08 AM