no-loose-braids

New England native tribes work to honor and uplift heritage

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:52:45 GMT

New England native tribes work to honor and uplift heritage

Mashantucket Pequot tribal nation in Connecticut and Nipmuc tribe in Massachusetts manage 21st-century challenges

LEDYARD, Conn. —

New England’s Native American tribes, including the Mashpee Wampanoag , Wampanoag of Gay Head (Aquinnah) , Mashantucket Pequot , Nipmuc and many others, maintain an enduring presence and influence that spans more than 15,000 years.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Native American tribe located in southeastern Connecticut, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The tribe emphasizes cultural preservation and education through establishments including the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center , the world's largest Native American museum. The tribe is committed to maintaining its traditions while navigating modern challenges. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation also runs the Foxwoods Resort Casino , which has become one of the largest casinos in the world.

The 13th annual Honoring the Veterans Powwow , hosted by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, honors the significant contributions of Native American communities to the United States armed services over the years. The ceremony opened with the U.S. national anthem, performed in the Navajo language by singer Michelle Thomas and her daughter.

Nipmuc cultural guardian Andre Strongbearheart leads No Loose Braids , a nonprofit focused on cultural revitalization and land stewardship. Through community workshops, including one recently held in Ashfield, Mass., Strongbearheart teaches traditional skills such as animal hide processing, which reconnects urban-dwelling tribal members with their ancestral ways. This cultural preservation initiative emphasizes the integration of indigenous practices and sustainable living, vital in a 21st-century context.

As a multimedia artist, Strongbearheart showcases the ongoing struggle for cultural identity and land rights, connecting past injustices with present-day resilience and self-determination among Native American tribes in New England in his visual poem, “ Wrung from the inside Out .”

Tribal preservation officer wants to empower a new generation

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:41:53 GMT

Written by
Margaret Smith Worcester Magazine

August 13th, 2025

Andre R. Gaines-Roberson has been a traveling a path to understand his people, and himself. The Hassanamisco Tribe of the Nipmuc Nation, headquartered in South Grafton, recently announced Gaines-Roberson as tribal historic preservation officer. In this role, Gaines-Roberson's duties include overseeing all tribal historic preservation activities; ensuring cultural heritage protection, and reviewing federal and state projects under the National Historic Preservation Act.

But more than maintaining records and overseeing the proper location and care of artifacts, the role means protection and preservation of indigenous culture for the next generation, and preserving the wisdom and collective memory of elders and past generations.

It means traveling among and fostering dialogue with other indigenous peoples, and working with museums, natural history collections, and other organizations to ensure the proper care and location of the remains of indigenous peoples, sometimes taken unlawfully from burial places.

Gaines-Roberson has been working with the Museum of Worcester and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum , among other historical, scientific and educational institutions, on a range of work that includes exhibits, preservation and the respectful care of artifacts.

As much as his role is about preserving the past, it's about forging a path for the future.

Gaines-Roberson is also creative director of No Loose Braids, a Nipmuc-led organization working to bring eastern Woodland Tribal communities together, including through revitalization of traditional practices.

Gaines-Roberson marks 17 years of recovery from alcohol and substance use, and serves as a recovery coach with organizations such as MOAR, Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery. In this work, he sees a mission: "To help others in this work of bringing balance to our people."

The Central Massachusetts region is sometimes referred to by indigenous peoples as Ground Zero, for the catastrophic effect of white settlers some four centuries ago, including violence, disease, displacement, and loss of traditional language and culture. "We come from a tribe in Grafton that has a reservation. It's only four and a half acres big, and a population of about 2,000 folks," Gaines-Roberson said. "The importance of us, being in our spaces, speaking for our ancestors and their remains, and speaking for ourselves is highly important, and I take that seriously."

What does your new position entail?

Well, a TIPO, also known as a tribal historical preservation officer, basically, it's preserving our ancestral remains and artifacts, and making sure that our remains and our ancestral artifacts are being handled in a proper way. It's a little difficult, with our tribe being a state-recognized tribe. We've been here since time immemorial. Not being recognized as a federal tribe, rules and regulations that deem certain folks in regards to certain artifacts and remains, and reporting back to our council , being in a good standing relationship. A good, collective manner, in a good way.

It's about actually going to collect and gathering; also, protecting sacred sites as well. I do a lot of land stewardship as well ... with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Mass Audubon. A lot of management comes to cultural stewardship within the forest. We find a lot of things in the forest, as well as preserving particular sites, and route trails.

What brought you to this role?

It becomes a particular role within our community. We see people within the community for what they do, and what their walk is. The community has been seeing the work I do, besides the cultural work, finding historical artifacts ... I had that interest, and I believe the community saw it was a proper fit ... it's in my spirt and my heart, to take care of the spirits of our ancestors, in a good way.

When you were growing up, what and how did you learn about your culture?

I actually grew up on the Cape, and moved toward the South Shore, and then to my traditional territory in Worcester. Growing up, I heard and learned a lot from the Wampanoag folks, going to powwows since I was a little boy, engaged my relationship with my elders: my great aunt, and my dad. It was illegal until 1978 to have our ceremonies and our way of life (protected by law since Aug. 11, 1978, with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.) It's no surprise that our language was diminished here, in Ground Zero. No matter where your travel in quote-unquote Indian Country, this is Ground Zero.

( The region now part of Worcester County was the location of so-called King Philip's War, 1675 to 1678, a bloody, armed conflict that saw massive loss of life among both native peoples and settlers of European origin. The slaying of Metacomet, the Wampanoag leader on Aug. 12, 1676, came to symbolize the catastrophic effect on native peoples in the region.)

When I was able to walk my path, my red path, this was 18 years ago, and I've continued to walk this walk.

What are some of the places your path has brought you?

I travel all across the country. I spend time every year in South Dakota ... going over there, and seeing what they have. When you look at the acreage, and looking at the language schools and emerging schools, and house, we don't even have housing. We are trying to create places for people to be housed ... that question, right there, is a deep, seriously important question when it comes to people who live here now.

The Masphee Wampanoag (which gained federal recognition in 2007 ,) is 20 years ahead of us ... as we continue to unite, and bring our collective ideas together, going to other people, it's an exchange of ideas, as an example.

Some of the work we do here, our workshops, building dugout canoes, even making hand drums or something like that, or buckskin, we have what we call cultural exchange. When I travel to, say, South Dakota, to the Marty Indian School, (I show them) how to tan skins again, get them to actually tan a hide. I work with the school ... and then when I return, people hold space for us, space from the nonprofit Tiyospaye, they hold space for us to come. I headed over to the Lumbee reservation (in present-day North Carolina, and known as "people of the dark water,") they have large cedars. Doing our stewardship work, they are able to share different avenues with their canoes. We are both "paddle communities" (using waterways as a means of travel and transport.)

In the news, there has been controversy recently, about whether a person has claimed tribal affiliation authentically, such as allegations against (folk singer) Buffy Sainte-Marie. At the same time, this could create skepticism for people who genuinely identify indigenous ancestry or culture, being subjected to being told, "Well, prove it." Does this have an effect on the work you do?

I will say that in doing this work, if there are people who should not be in those places, that should be spoken about, because dealing with our ancestors' remains, our artifacts, what and who our community is, and what it means for the next generation, it's pretty important. And if people have challenges, they should bring it up, and bring it in front of people.

There are people who live in the city, who are not enrolled ... they are the very people who do the work we do in every way. That doesn't mean they are less Nipmuc, they just have a different path. I know who my family is. We have seven generations of genealogy. If people have this question, in this way, we can direct them to the council, and their records.

I hear you. It's an important issue to talk about it, but it's not going to stop us.

We were talking about how the work you do will impact seven generations. What do you teach the next generation about what their impact will be on the future?

I've already seen the work help the youth, help I didn't have ... we also live in a particular society now, where we need each other more, now more than ever. It's really important that people understand that. The work we are doing has very little to do with the lifetime we are living in now. We are setting up so my nieces and nephews. We just came out of a 400-year fracture. They save you have got to walk 20 years in the wood, and 20 years out.

Their responsibility to have cultural knowledge, it needs to be shared in a good way, so people don't feel ostracized, in trying to learn who we are. What society created was crabs in a bucket, divide and conquer. So, it's going to take us all to show a little love, and show the next generation, it's OK.

Celebrating Native American Culture and Voices in Marlborough

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:35:00 GMT

Celebrating Native American Culture and Voices in Marlborough

"The latest episode of Marlborough Minute on WMCT-TV featured an insightful roundtable discussion highlighting how the city serves its diverse residents through education and cultural programming focused on Native American communities.

Guests included Scott Strong Hawk Foster, a photographer from the local Nipmuc tribe whose powerful exhibit "Ways of My Ancestors - We Are Still Here" is on display at the Marlborough Public Library until March 31st. His stark black backdrop portraits beautifully capture the regalia and spirit of Eastern Woodland Native Americans.

Scott was joined by Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines Jr., creative director of the cultural revitalization non-profit No Loose Braids, and Sara Belisle, director of the Marlborough Public Library. The conversation explored the importance of providing space for underrepresented voices and uplifting indigenous cultures.

As Andre powerfully stated, "It wasn't even legal for us to speak our language until 1978." He discussed harsh truths like the genocide endured by Native populations in Massachusetts, and the deep significance of being able to openly teach traditions like social dances in public spaces like libraries today.

Sara highlighted the library's commitment to ensuring all community members feel welcomed and represented through diverse programming and cultural events. However, she acknowledged the challenges of conducting effective outreach to connect with various groups.

Both Scott and Andre emphasized the need to counter pervasive misconceptions that Native Americans no longer exist in modern society in authentic ways. As Scott shared, "We don't dress like this every day, but this is how our ancestors dressed and we're honoring our ancestors."

The insightful discussion highlighted many upcoming exhibits and events celebrating local Native cultures, including the "Manumuniohtu (To Create)" show at Bunker Hill Community College and a powerful installation recreating a traditional Nipmuck homesite in Worcester's Elm Park.

By providing vital platforms for indigenous voices and stories, institutions like WMCT-TV and the Marlborough Public Library play a crucial role in promoting understanding, representation and respect for the rich diversity of Native American communities. As the roundtable affirmed, these are perspectives that have been far too long suppressed, ignored or romanticized. Continuing to amplify them is essential to an inclusive, educated society."

Burning of the Mishoon

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:52:48 GMT

The Westport, MA Mishoon Burn

In late May of 2023, a collaborative effort between the Westport River Watershed Alliance, the Westport Land Conservation Trust, and Wampanoag Experience took place.

This collaboration resulted in a mishoon, or traditional Native American canoe, burn, which lasted 24 hours a day for an entire week between May 13th and June 24th. Annawon Weeden, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr., from the Nipmuc Nation, along with several other tribal and non-tribal supporters skillfully oversaw the mishoon's burning.

The general public was encouraged to attend, with the hopes it would provide an opportunity to gain insight into Native American traditions.

Once the mishoon was completed, it became the focal point of the June 24th River Day festival, held at the head of the Westport River.

The Herring Pond Wampanoags resurrect a centuries-old ceremony

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:52:44 GMT

Fired by tradition: Herring Pond Wampanoags hold mishoon burn to keep heritage vibrant

To burn a mishoon is to hollow, and hallow, a canoe

The Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, along with Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, Jr. embarked on a significant cultural endeavor by crafting a canoe from a white pine trunk in a traditional mishoon burn. Led by Tribal Chairlady Melissa Ferretti and supported by community members like Taylor and Miciah Harding, this project aimed to revive ancestral knowledge, create access to waterways, and pass traditions to younger generations. The tribe, situated at the historical heart of colonization in Plymouth, Massachusetts, has faced challenges of erasure and lack of federal recognition. Despite this, Ferretti's election to the Bourne selectboard and efforts to reclaim tribal lands illustrate a commitment to visibility and cultural preservation. While their struggle continues against systemic obstacles, the mishoon burn stands as a symbolic testament to the tribe's resilience and refusal to be erased from history.

FolkFest 2023 Nipmuc Traditions

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 17:52:52 GMT

FolkFest 2023 Nipmuc Traditions

LTC Production Volunteer Carolyn chats with Andre Strong Bear Heart about the work of preserving Nipmuc traditions, decolonization and passing these practices to the next generation.

Natick town officials talk aboriginal rights with Nipmuc community members

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 17:52:50 GMT

Natick town officials talk aboriginal rights with Nipmuc community members

by Bob Brown July 14, 2023

As reported by Natick Report, Town officials in Natick met with members of the Nipmuc Nation to address an incident where Nipmuc individuals harvesting trees were confronted by the police due to a lack of awareness about their agreement with the Conservation Commission. This meeting aimed to improve understanding and respect for aboriginal rights among town employees and the public, following the guidelines in Massachusetts' Executive Order No. 126.

The Nipmuc members, although somewhat satisfied with the meeting, held signs outside Town Hall to further highlight aboriginal rights. The discussions involved educating law enforcement about these rights and implementing protocols to protect activities like harvesting cedar, medicinal plants, fishing, and hunting, which are part of these rights.

The Nipmuc representatives emphasized the need for training law enforcement and town employees on aboriginal rights and cultural understanding. They expressed a desire for broader public awareness of Native American history and culture and hoped for greater acknowledgment and inclusion of their community within Natick.

Town officials acknowledged the incident's mishandling and committed to internal changes to educate employees and the public about aboriginal rights. These efforts align with broader initiatives in Natick to address its history concerning native communities, including revising the town seal and considering the removal of the South Natick Dam.

In Westport, mishoon accomplished

Mon, 22 May 2023 17:52:42 GMT

Indigenous artists complete the construction of a mishoon, or Wampanoag canoe, at the Westport Town Farm

Annawon Weeden and Andre Strong Bear Heart Gaines recently led a traditional Wampanoag mishoon (canoe) construction as artists-in-residence. Their work was a communal effort involving Wampanoags, Nipmucs, apprentices, and guests, reviving ancient craftsmanship. The project aimed not only to create the canoe but also to foster community, educate about indigenous traditions, and preserve cultural heritage. The initiative, organized by the Wampanoag Experience and supported by various groups, welcomed the public for hands-on learning sessions. Weeden emphasized the importance of educating others about their traditions, highlighting the challenges faced in practicing cultural customs over time. The collaboration between Weeden and Strong Bear Heart symbolized a generational continuity in preserving indigenous heritage. While the mishoon construction phase ended, the canoe will be displayed at the Westport River Watershed Alliance, offering opportunities for the public to engage with Wampanoag culture through demonstrations, exhibits, and events throughout the summer.

Deepening the Power of Place: The Confluence of Traditional Eastern Woodlands Social Songs and Modern Spoken Word Poetry

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:41:59 GMT

Deepening the Power of Place: The Confluence of Traditional Eastern Woodlands Social Songs and Modern Spoken Word Poetry

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Shea Theater Arts Center (map)

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Google Calendar

ICS

Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr., and his nephews, Daishuan Reddeer Garate and Miguel Wandering Turtle Garate, present an original spoken word program offering a Nipmuc Tribal perspective on place. This program will explore the common themes that connect ten-thousand-year-old traditional Indigenous social songs with modern day spoken word poetry. They will share stories about their ongoing relationships to the land, the persistence and resilience of the Northeastern tribes, differing world views, and ways they are able to maintain balance at the intersection between the traditional lifestyle and values they inherited through their ancestors and functioning respectfully in today’s complicated world.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/570661421219785

Hide Workshop

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:40:41 GMT

Hide Workshop

Sunday, March 19, 2023

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Google Calendar

ICS

This workshop is intended to educate non-Indigenous people on the importance of supporting and centering Indigenous sovereignty, promote Indigenous cultural reclamation and preservation, and offer a comprehensive introduction to the relationship between food, animals, and garments. Participants will learn the Eastern Woodlands Indigenous process of "brain tanning" a deer hide through hands-on engagement with the different stages of hide tanning. While this process cannot be completed in a single day, participants will leave with their hide and the knowledge to finish the process in their own time. An important component of this workshop is community, getting to know each other, sharing questions and experiences around tanning, and what it means to be in right relationship to our animal relatives, our food and what we wear.

Source: https://www.mountgrace.org/get-involved/events/event/hide-tanning-workshop-with-andre-strongbearheart-gaines-jr

Full Snow Moon Gathering and Eastern Woodlands Social Dance

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:43:25 GMT

Learn & Participate in Traditional Eastern Woodlands Social Dances

Saturday, February 4, 2023

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Google Calendar

ICS

A rare opportunity to learn and participate in traditional Eastern Woodlands Native social dances, led by Nipmuc tribal members Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr., and his nephews Daishuan Reddeer Garate and Miguel Wandering Turtle Garate. Honored Guests Liz Coldwind Santana Kiser, Elder, Council Woman and Tribal Historical Preservation Officer for the Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians and Roger Longtoe Sheehan, Sagamo (Chief) of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe.

Social dances are done for fun, for socializing, and to express the joy of having been given the gift of life. It is made up of easy to learn steps, done by people of all genders and ages in order to create a sense of friendship and community.

Join us February 4th, 2023

More Info.

Source: https://nolumbeka project.org /events/

Drum Workshop

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 18:43:05 GMT

Drum Workshop

Sunday, February 5, 2023

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Google Calendar

ICS

Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. Resident Cultural Educator at Ohketeau Cultural Center will lead a drum making workshop. Indigenous use are encouraged to attend.

Please RSVP to info@ohketeau.org , spots are limited.

Wrung From The Inside Out

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:52:49 GMT

Wrung From the Inside Out

By Andre Strong Bear Heart

Spoken word poetry dedicated to all of my Eastern Woodland Peoples, whose history of genocide still continues to be swept under the rug by society. Let the truths be told.

Local Indigenous tribes gather to build community and learn an ancient skill

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 18:52:47 GMT

Local Indigenous tribes gather to build community and learn an ancient skill

A November 15th article by WBUR captures the collaborative efforts of Indigenous tribes in Massachusetts, specifically the Nipmuc and Massachusetts's tribes, in reviving the ancient art of crafting traditional dugout canoes called mishoons. Led by Andre Strong Bear Heart and Thomas Green, the tribes gathered to build these canoes using fire as a primary tool. The project aimed to rekindle cultural practices, strengthen tribal bonds, and educate the public about Indigenous history and identity.

The process of crafting the mishoon was described as a deeply spiritual and communal experience, with individuals from various tribes coming together to work on the canoe from dawn till dusk. The burning of the canoe symbolized a revival of ancestral knowledge and a way to pass it on to younger generations.

The significance of reclaiming ceremonial spaces and cultural practices was highlighted, especially in the face of historical erasure and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The article sheds light on the historical context of oppression, including laws restricting Native American movement within city limits and the desecration of sacred burial grounds.

The completion of the mishoon marked a symbolic gesture of unity and cultural resurgence, representing a shared heritage and a step towards strengthening ties between the tribes. The canoe, adorned with a turtle carving symbolizing shared land, was paddled along the Mystic River, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding and weaving together communities, languages, ceremonies, and traditions.

Indigenous Tribes Hold Boston’s First Mishoon Burning in More than 300 Years

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:45:57 GMT

Indigenous Tribes Hold Boston’s First Mishoon Burning in More than 300 Years

This summary captures the main highlights from a Boston Globe article, spotlighting the groundbreaking mishoon burning event in Boston, the city's first postcolonial endeavor of this Indigenous tradition.

A mishoon is a canoe made through a continuous, controlled burn, representing an Indigenous tradition dating back over 10,000 years. The project is led by Andre Strongbearheart Gaines of the Nipmuc Tribe and Thomas Green of the Massachusett Tribe.

The mishoon, located at the Little Mystic Boat Slip in Charlestown, is tended by tribal members around the clock and will remain until November 13 or until it's ready. The burning serves as a cultural revitalization effort for tribal youth and adults and aims to educate the public about this ancient tradition.

The mishoon burning project faced obstacles, including legal issues related to open fires in Boston. However, the organizers, supported by federal treaties and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, gained community support and eventually received approval. The project, named Communal Waters: Highways of Intertribal Exchange, seeks to revitalize Indigenous culture, foster relationships among sister tribes, and teach the public.

The site features Indigenous music, tents, and a symbolic display of a colonist's head on a spike in memorial of Indigenous individuals murdered by the English. Despite mostly positive reception, the project has encountered some aggression, emphasizing the need for continued education and understanding. Strongbearheart and Green hope this mishoon burning will be the first of many in Boston, fostering a resurgence of Indigenous traditions and connections among tribes.

The Rivers Are Our Highways

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 17:52:41 GMT

The Rivers Are Our Highways

Recorded on September 8, 2022

A conversation between Andre Strong Bear Heart Gaines, Jr. and Hartman Deetz during the "Feeding the Fire" Mishoon Project at The Wayside Inn in 2022.

Traditional Native American Mishoon Put to the Test at Sudbury's Josephine Pond

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 17:49:35 GMT

Traditional Native American mishoon put to the test at Sudbury's Josephine Pond

This summary encapsulates an article from Metro West Daily News, highlighting the recent celebration and launch of a traditional mishoon canoe by the Nipmuc community, supported by the Shinnecock Indian Nation and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, as a means of preserving and passing down cultural traditions.

The Nipmuc community, with assistance from the Shinnecock Indian Nation and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, recently celebrated the completion and launch of a mishoon, a traditional canoe made by burning and carving out the inside of a large tree. The event, held near Longfellow's Wayside Inn, brought together elders and tribal youth to test the canoe. Andre Strongbearheart Gaines Jr. expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of their cultural heritage and highlighted the significance of cultural communities coming together. The mishoon creation symbolizes a connection to ancestral traditions and serves as a reminder of Native American history, with the event reflecting on the importance of preserving and passing down cultural practices. The article also mentions the historical context, noting that it was only in 1978 that Congress granted basic rights to Native Americans, such as the right to speak their own language and hold ceremonies.

Andre Strongbearheart expressed gratitude for the elders and ancestors who preserved cultural traditions even during times when such practices were illegal. He emphasized the significance of openly engaging in these activities today. Strongbearheart discussed the shift from a matriarchal society in New England, predating colonization, to the present hierarchical system. After sharing traditions and performing a Calumet dance, he, his nephew, and a member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation paddled a newly crafted canoe. Nipmuc elder Millie McCowan praised their first voyage, noting the spiritual connection observed, including a hawk circling overhead as an auspicious sign during Strongbearheart's speech to the gathered crowd.

Younger members, like Chenae Bullock, acknowledge the elders' role in preserving traditions despite their illegality, viewing it as an act "sovereign in the law of the divine." Burning braided sweetgrass, Bullock emphasizes the need to invite and promote goodness for healing. The mishoon, crafted from a tree near Longfellow's Wayside Inn, unexpectedly burned faster due to the ongoing drought. Gary Christelis of The Wayside Inn Foundation mentions plans to host historical events, with the mishoon representing one chapter. Once completed, the mishoon will be stored in a pond, submerged with rocks to prevent drying and aging over winter. Bullock prepares food in an outdoor kitchen, including a striped bass smoked over an open fire. Andre Strongbearheart plans to make another mishoon at a significant, undisclosed location, aiming to highlight the history of colonized spaces. Nipmuc elder Millie McCowan emphasizes the land's ownership by Mother Nature and urges respect for its gifts.

Lighting the Fire at the Eastern Woodlands Homesite

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 17:52:12 GMT

LIGHTING THE FIRE AT THE EASTERN WOODLANDS HOMESITE

In an article featured on jacobspillow.org, Nipmuc citizens Andre Strongbearheart Gaines Jr. and Nazario TallHairRedDeer Garate have constructed a homesite in Douglas State Forest to bring together Eastern Woodlands peoples and the public. Crafted from cedar trees, the structures highlight urgent issues of access, health, and the sustainability of cedar swamps. The centerpiece, a hearth, witnessed Gaines leading the burning of a miniature mishoon over three days in May 2022. The homesite features various traditional elements such as a fishnet station, cookstations, and a deer hide rack. Gaines emphasizes the importance of cultural revitalization and preservation through such initiatives, inviting the public to witness interactive talks, traditional hand games, meal preparation, and old social songs on July 10. Gaines is currently an artist in residence at the Ohketeau Cultural Center in Ashfield, MA.

Braintanning with Andre Strong Bear Heart of the Nipmuc Nation

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 17:52:29 GMT

Braintanning with Andre strongbearheart of the Nipmuc Nation

Ohketeau Cultural Center, 2022

In a video, Andre Strongbearheart Gaines Jr. from the Nipmuc Nation guides viewers through the traditional braintanning process. This method involves using the brains of animals, typically deer or buffalo, to soften and tan hides, resulting in a flexible and high-quality leather material. Gaines shares insights into the steps, including hide preparation, brain application, and the cultural significance of braintanning within Indigenous traditions.

Ashfield Mishoon Project: Traditional mishoon burning a ‘coming home’ for Nipmuc people

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:52:38 GMT

Ashfield Mishoon Project: Traditional mishoon burning a ‘coming home’ for Nipmuc people

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.

Indigenous Voices In The Berkshires

Mon, 24 May 2021 17:52:39 GMT

Indigenous Voices of the Berkshires

Teachings by Rhonda Anderson, Iñupiaq - Athabascan from Alaska and Dr. Jus Crea Giammarino, Penobscot, ND Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Regalia Making Workshop

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 18:52:37 GMT

Regalia Workshop

Summarizing an article featured on Ohketeau.org, on January 16th, 2021, Ohketeau hosted a regalia making workshop led by Andre Strong Bear Heart Gaines Jr. for the tribal community. Due to Covid restrictions, attendance was limited, but the event was a meaningful weekend dedicated to practicing traditional crafts and passing on knowledge to future generations. The workshop included a traditional feast prepared by Rhonda Anderson, featuring Three Sisters stew, venison, wojapi, corn cake, wild turkey, and Bison chili. The Nipmuc Homeland, originally over 2000 square miles, has dwindled due to colonization, with the remaining lands at the Hassanamesit Reservation in Grafton, MA. The Ohketeau Cultural Center in Ashfield, MA, plays a crucial role in the social, cultural, and spiritual growth of the Nipmuc people, and with support, they aim to continue growing and supporting the First Peoples of Western and Central Massachusetts.

no-loose-braids

New England native tribes work to honor and uplift heritage

New England native tribes work to honor and uplift heritage

Mashantucket Pequot tribal nation in Connecticut and Nipmuc tribe in Massachusetts manage 21st-century challenges

Tribal preservation officer wants to empower a new generation

Written by Margaret Smith Worcester Magazine

August 13th, 2025

Celebrating Native American Culture and Voices in Marlborough

Celebrating Native American Culture and Voices in Marlborough

Burning of the Mishoon

The Westport, MA Mishoon Burn

In late May of 2023, a collaborative effort between the Westport River Watershed Alliance, the Westport Land Conservation Trust, and Wampanoag Experience took place.

The Herring Pond Wampanoags resurrect a centuries-old ceremony

Fired by tradition: Herring Pond Wampanoags hold mishoon burn to keep heritage vibrant

To burn a mishoon is to hollow, and hallow, a canoe

FolkFest 2023 Nipmuc Traditions

FolkFest 2023 Nipmuc Traditions

Natick town officials talk aboriginal rights with Nipmuc community members

Natick town officials talk aboriginal rights with Nipmuc community members

In Westport, mishoon accomplished

Indigenous artists complete the construction of a mishoon, or Wampanoag canoe, at the Westport Town Farm

Deepening the Power of Place: The Confluence of Traditional Eastern Woodlands Social Songs and Modern Spoken Word Poetry

Deepening the Power of Place: The Confluence of Traditional Eastern Woodlands Social Songs and Modern Spoken Word Poetry

Hide Workshop

Hide Workshop

Full Snow Moon Gathering and Eastern Woodlands Social Dance

Learn & Participate in Traditional Eastern Woodlands Social Dances

Join us February 4th, 2023

Drum Workshop

Drum Workshop

Wrung From The Inside Out

Wrung From the Inside Out

Local Indigenous tribes gather to build community and learn an ancient skill

Local Indigenous tribes gather to build community and learn an ancient skill

Indigenous Tribes Hold Boston’s First Mishoon Burning in More than 300 Years

Indigenous Tribes Hold Boston’s First Mishoon Burning in More than 300 Years

The Rivers Are Our Highways

The Rivers Are Our Highways

Traditional Native American Mishoon Put to the Test at Sudbury's Josephine Pond

Traditional Native American mishoon put to the test at Sudbury's Josephine Pond

Lighting the Fire at the Eastern Woodlands Homesite

LIGHTING THE FIRE AT THE EASTERN WOODLANDS HOMESITE

Braintanning with Andre Strong Bear Heart of the Nipmuc Nation

Braintanning with Andre strongbearheart of the Nipmuc Nation

Ohketeau Cultural Center, 2022

Ashfield Mishoon Project: Traditional mishoon burning a ‘coming home’ for Nipmuc people

Ashfield Mishoon Project: Traditional mishoon burning a ‘coming home’ for Nipmuc people

Indigenous Voices In The Berkshires

Indigenous Voices of the Berkshires

Teachings by Rhonda Anderson, Iñupiaq - Athabascan from Alaska and Dr. Jus Crea Giammarino, Penobscot, ND Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Regalia Making Workshop

Regalia Workshop

Written by
Margaret Smith Worcester Magazine