Powwow Returns to Aquinnah Circle

Traditional music and dance filled the air in Aquinnah on Saturday.
Traditional music and dance filled the air in Aquinnah on Saturday.
Jeanna Shepard
Dozens of tribes were represented, including Wampanoag, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe and Saponi, among others.
Dozens of tribes were represented, including Wampanoag, Narragansett, Nipmuc, Ho-Chunk, Ojibwe and Saponi, among others.
Jeanna Shepard
Community and connection were on display.
Community and connection were on display.
Jeanna Shepard
Throughout the day, honors were given as way to recognize those in attendance.
Throughout the day, honors were given as way to recognize those in attendance.
Jeanna Shepard
Tribal members of all ages participated.
Tribal members of all ages participated.
Jeanna Shepard
Dozens of songs were performed throughout the day, representing different themes and stories.
Dozens of songs were performed throughout the day, representing different themes and stories.
Jeanna Shepard
Local artisans and artists had their work for sale.
Local artisans and artists had their work for sale.
Jeanna Shepard
A view of the powwow from the lighthouse.
A view of the powwow from the lighthouse.
Jeanna Shepard
The Black Brook Drummers are a familiar sight and sound in Aquinnah.
The Black Brook Drummers are a familiar sight and sound in Aquinnah.
Jeanna Shepard
Tysonnae Aiguier-Bolling participates in a traditional dance.
Tysonnae Aiguier-Bolling participates in a traditional dance.
Jeanna Shepard
Indigenous culture was on display over the weekend.
Indigenous culture was on display over the weekend.
Tim Johnson
Stories and themes were communicated through dance.
Stories and themes were communicated through dance.
Tim Johnson
For many, the powwow offers a way to honor the legacy of their families.
For many, the powwow offers a way to honor the legacy of their families.
Tim Johnson
NaDaizja Bolling is Executive Director of the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
NaDaizja Bolling is Executive Director of the Aquinnah Cultural Center.
Tim Johnson
Vibrant clothing and jewelry help tell the story.
Vibrant clothing and jewelry help tell the story.
Tim Johnson
Memory and history take center stage.
Memory and history take center stage.
Tim Johnson
Natural elements and artistic embellishment contribute to the costumes.
Natural elements and artistic embellishment contribute to the costumes.
Tim Johnson
Community members join in the dance.
Community members join in the dance.
Tim Johnson
Ceremonial objects hold special roles in the performance.
Ceremonial objects hold special roles in the performance.
Tim Johnson
Showing pure concentration.
Showing pure concentration.
Tim Johnson

Monday, September 14, 2026

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.

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