By Joe Cuminale
On Labor Day, I attended the 78th annual Shinnecock Pow-Wow on the grounds of the Shinnecock Reservation. This has been an annual tradition for me for forty years. As I entered the grounds of the reservation, I could feel the positive energy flowing. Tribes and dancers from all across North America – Canada, the United States, and Mexico – and even some from South America, were gathered in peace to celebrate and compete in various dance competitions.
There were many vendors on site with many different unique, hand-made items, from blankets to silver jewelry and everything in between. The aroma of fresh home-made foods filled the air.
A Native band called Blackbird began the day with their own brand of original music, which had many people dancing in the field in front of the stage. Finally, the emcee for the event called on all dancers to assemble for Grand Entry. The Grand Entry is always a spectacular site, with handmade dance garb of all the colors of the rainbow and dancers of all ages, from young children to the Elders and all ages in between, all giving the audience a preview of the dance competitions yet to come.
As all the dancers finally arrived on the stage, the Tribal Chaplain delivered a beautiful invocation and blessing of all in attendance. All visitors remained standing, and Veterans in attendance joined the dancers on the stage for the Raising of the flags of The United States of America and of The Shinnecock Nation. Veterans joined dancers in a dance to salute Veterans for their service.
After a short break and more music from the drum circles and singers, it was time for the various dance competitions to commence. I would like to say thank you to all for their hospitality and for allowing me to take photographs on their Sacred Land. I am already looking forward to next year’s event.
