As reported by the Greenfield Recorder, members of the Nipmuc tribe recently revived an ancient tradition by conducting a traditional mishoon burning on their territory after possibly over a century. Led by Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, Jr., the burning aimed to create a dugout canoe. This practice, spanning thousands of years, hadn’t been carried out by the Nipmuc on their land for possibly three centuries due to historical restrictions on their traditional practices. Gaines, along with others, revived this skill, honoring their heritage and connecting with ancestral traditions. The process, lasting 7-10 days, involves burning a fresh, sap-filled tree without any chemicals, resulting in a canoe that will take its maiden voyage on Ashfield Lake before being submerged for preservation. The project, supported by the Creative Futures Collaborative, exemplifies efforts to revive cultural practices and address racial equity in arts funding.