The Herring Pond Wampanoags resurrect a centuries-old ceremony

August 23, 2023

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.

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Celebrating Native American Culture and Voices in Marlborough

March 27, 2024
Celebrating Native American Culture and Voices in Marlborough
Mishoon canoe burning at sunset in Wesport, MA

Burning of the Mishoon

December 12, 2023
On May 2023, the collaborative effort of Westport River Watershed Alliance, Westport Land Conservation Trust, and Wampanoag Experience resulted in the 24/7 burning of a traditional Native American canoe, overseen by tribal members. The event, from May 13th to June 24th, provided a unique insight into Native American traditions and culminated in the River Day festival on June 24th.
3 indigenous Nipmuc men wearing traditional clothing

FolkFest 2023 Nipmuc Traditions

August 7, 2023
Andre Strongbearheart talks about the work of preserving Nipmuc traditions, decolonization, and passing these practices to the next generation with LTC Production Volunteer Carolyn.
Trees being harvested by members of the Nimpuc Nation

Natick town officials talk aboriginal rights with Nipmuc community members

July 16, 2023
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.
Annawon Weeden (right) and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines talking.

In Westport, mishoon accomplished

May 22, 2023
Annawon Weeden and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines recently led a traditional Wampanoag mishoon (canoe) construction as artists-in-residence at the Westport Town Farm
Crossroads change in rural America

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

February 1, 2023
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. hey 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.
No Loose Braids Hide Workshop information flyer

Hide Workshop

February 1, 2023
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.
Full moon gathering and eastern woodlands social dance flier

Full Snow Moon Gathering and Eastern Woodlands Social Dance

January 12, 2023
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.
No Loose Braids' Drum Workshop flyer

Drum Workshop

January 12, 2023
A drum making workshop led by Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. and hosted by Ohketeau Cultural Center. For more information and to RSVP email info@ohketeau.org. Space is limited
Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, Jr. in a canoe on a lake

Wrung From The Inside Out

November 23, 2022
Spoken word poetry by Andre Strongbearheart Gaines, Jr.
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