In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.

MassLive will publish profiles of these leaders through November. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Mwalim “MJ” Peters

Age: 55

Community: Cape Cod and the Southcoast

His story: Mwalim “MJ” Peters comes from a long line of storytellers.

Now, he’s using that to explore the Native and Afro-Native experience through music and theater, he told MassLive.

“I come from a line of musicians on my mother’s side and both sides of my family are rich with storytelling and oral history,” he said.

He also attended The High School of Music & Art in New York and got his bachelors in music and masters in film from Boston University. He studied theater with New African Company and earned his MFA in writing from Goddard College.

But it’s not about the academic training. It’s about the experiences, he said.

In his words: “Experiences and practical training will trump an academic preparation every time. The academics are credentials.”

We’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.