This weekend the Shinnecock Nation hosts the 60th annual Shinnecock Indian Powwow at the reservation off Montauk Highway, just west of Southampton Village from Friday to Monday.
The first Powwow was organized in 1947 by the late Shinnecock chief, Henry Bess - Chief Thunder Bird, in order to focus the community on their identity as native people and to welcome non-natives so they could learn about their native neighbors.
Chief Thunder Bird welcomed his guests by saying "Sit together in peace on Good Mother Earth".
This year among the many features of the Pow Wow (see Peace & Justice Calendar) which include music and dance, food and crafts we will have a chance to hear the award winning Thunder Bird Sisters for the first time in quite a while. They are the grandchildren of Chief Thunder Bird.
Their music includes original compositions that reflect their native culture. As indigenous people, they are storytellers -- singing of traditional ways of life in the Natural World and our sacred connection to Creation. The Thunder Bird Sisters' music offers a commentary on social issues that have historically faced their people, and continue to confront Indian People to this day.
Their performances are scheduled tentatively for the 'dinner break' (roughly between 5 and 7 pm) on Sunday and Monday. Check here for updates.
Dates and times for the Pow Wow:
Friday 3pm - 10pm
Saturday, Sunday 10am - 10pm
Monday 10am - 6pm
