The birds of the winged trees flying my name Above the farms and the white horses I rose in rainy autumn And walked abroad in a shower of all my days. – Dylan Thomas
Large crowds of people gathered at the western-most tip of the Island over the weekend to participate in the Aquinnah Powwow, an annual event hosted by the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). At the Aquinnah circle, a grass stage area was flanked by a natural canvas, highlighting the local landscape.
Traditional music and dance filled the air in Aquinnah on Saturday. – Jeanna ShepardDozens of tribes were represented, including Wampanoag, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe and Saponi, among others. – Jeanna ShepardCommunity and connection were on display. – Jeanna ShepardThroughout the day, honors were given as way to recognize those in attendance. – Jeanna ShepardTribal members of all ages participated. – Jeanna ShepardDozens of songs were performed throughout the day, representing different themes and stories. – Jeanna ShepardLocal artisans and artists had their work for sale. – Jeanna ShepardA view of the powwow from the lighthouse. – Jeanna ShepardThe Black Brook Drummers are a familiar sight and sound in Aquinnah. – Jeanna ShepardTysonnae Aiguier-Bolling participates in a traditional dance. – Jeanna ShepardIndigenous culture was on display over the weekend. – Tim JohnsonStories and themes were communicated through dance. – Tim JohnsonFor many, the powwow offers a way to honor the legacy of their families. – Tim JohnsonNaDaizja Bolling is Executive Director of the Aquinnah Cultural Center. – Tim JohnsonVibrant clothing and jewelry help tell the story. – Tim JohnsonMemory and history take center stage. – Tim JohnsonNatural elements and artistic embellishment contribute to the costumes. – Tim JohnsonCommunity members join in the dance. – Tim JohnsonCeremonial objects hold special roles in the performance. – Tim JohnsonShowing pure concentration. – Tim Johnson
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Hi there. Thank you for sharing about our powwow and for taking such wonderful photos. I would just like to make a correction to the captions under certain photos. The woman dancing in buckskin with the black and white blanket (10th photo)is NaDaizja Bolling, ED of the Aquinnah Cultural Center. The woman (me) in the white shirt (14th photo), listed as NaDaizja Bolling, is Tysonnae Aiguier-Bolling, Tribal Programs and Community Engagement Manager of the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
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Hi there. Thank you for sharing about our powwow and for taking such wonderful photos. I would just like to make a correction to the captions under certain photos. The woman dancing in buckskin with the black and white blanket (10th photo)is NaDaizja Bolling, ED of the Aquinnah Cultural Center. The woman (me) in the white shirt (14th photo), listed as NaDaizja Bolling, is Tysonnae Aiguier-Bolling, Tribal Programs and Community Engagement Manager of the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
Hi Tysonnae, thank you for letting us know. That has been corrected.