The Herring Pond Wampanoags resurrect a centuries-old ceremony

Aug 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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Mishoon canoe burning at sunset in Wesport, MA

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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

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Trees being harvested by members of the Nimpuc Nation

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Annawon Weeden (right) and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines talking.

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01 Feb, 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

01 Feb, 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

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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

12 Jan, 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

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