Photo: The Author at Shinnecock Powwow, 2025
Yesterday was our family’s first visit to the Shinnecock nation and their celebrated Powwow on Labor Day Weekend on the south shore of Long Island, NY.
The vibe was chill.
Many vendors were familiar faces from other powwows in the region, including the dressmaker Keiko, from Mashantuckett (Pequot), who I had met last year. I had purchased a dress for my youngest daughter and brought her over to Ms. Keiko to see her creation being worn.
We saw only hints of daily life on Shinnecock territory. Entering the territory we travelled about a half mile of newly-paved road, past several modest homes to the powwow grounds. The land is heavily wooded, providing shade and sense of belonging to the mid-20th century houses. We weren't able to see the Nation's waterfront on Long Island Sound, which the People use for fishing, boating and kelp farming.
The powwow grounds sit adjacent to the Shinnecock Presbyterian church, whose pastor gave an invocation.
There was also a presentation of the Lord’s Prayer by women in sign language, accompanied by a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in the Shinnecock language.
And of course, there were the dancers, many from Shinnecock and other tribes on Long Island, New York. The regalia was poppin
The atmosphere was Holy, or as they say, in Lakota, WAKAN.
As usual, there were many elders, small children and all ages in between, dancing in the Powwow circle, representing our tribal present and future.
The vibe was chill.
Next year is the 80th annual Shinnecock Powwow, and it will be a must-do event for Labor Day Weekend in 2026.
To the gracious Shinnecock people, I way, MVTO
Click below to see Shinnecock Powwow from this year and years gone by:
