Post by blackcrowheart on Aug 30, 2006 15:31:40 GMT -5
Tribes celebrate harvest
By BRIAN
WALLHEIMER
Norwich Bulletin
NORTH STONINGTON -- Annawan Weeden gets funny looks from people when he bows his head over food at McDonald's, but he said it's that kind of reverence for his food that embodies the spirit of Schemitzun.
Schemitzun, the Mashantucket Pequot feast of green corn and dance, opened Thursday and runs through Sunday. It is the tribe's annual powwow and includes singing, dancing, drumming, storytelling and displays of Indian culture. Tribes from all throughout New England and New York participate and share their cultures alongside the Mashantuckets.
Weeden, a Mashpee Wampanoag from Massachusetts, said Schemitzun is like a specific form of Thanksgiving. He said Indians give thanks for everything they have to kill to survive -- plants, crops and animals.
"A lot of that stuff comes from a higher power and I want them to know I appreciate it," Weeden said. "For Native Americans, when you take something, you give back, whether it's through song, dance or a ceremony."
Weeden said tribes celebrate several thanksgiving throughout the year as various crops come in.
Marjorie Colebut-Jackson, Schemitzun chairman and a Mashantucket Pequot tribal councilor, said the celebration of corn is especially important because it sustained the tribe through winters years ago.
Michael Porter Jr., 22 and a Mashantucket, is an expert fancy dancer with the tribe. He said his dancing allows him to pass on his traditions and give thanks to those who allow him to dance.
"It's in me. It's embedded in me," Porter said. "I want to pass the talent I have down to my kids or to a younger generation."
Besides giving thanks at Schemitzun, tribal members said it gives them a chance to re-connect to old friends and family members who might have moved away.
"It's good to see natives because we're so spread out," said Ahneah Hill, 29, of the Shinnecock Tribe of New York. "All the Indians are all our extended family."
Brenda Hill, 33, of the Tuscarora Tribe in New York said the powwows have taken on an added meaning in modern times. Instead of simply celebrating survival through food, the events are an opportunity for tribes to practice their dances and share their beliefs.
"It's really cultural survival," she said.
Penni Noseworthy, 70, of Plainfield said she enjoys learning about the different cultures that attend Schemitzun. She said too many people think the Eastern tribes don't exist anymore.
"It brings a lot of people out and they get a chance to experience Indian culture," Noseworthy said. "It's about time."
Reach Brian Wallheimer at 425-4241 or bwallheimer@norwichbulletin.com
By BRIAN
WALLHEIMER
Norwich Bulletin
NORTH STONINGTON -- Annawan Weeden gets funny looks from people when he bows his head over food at McDonald's, but he said it's that kind of reverence for his food that embodies the spirit of Schemitzun.
Schemitzun, the Mashantucket Pequot feast of green corn and dance, opened Thursday and runs through Sunday. It is the tribe's annual powwow and includes singing, dancing, drumming, storytelling and displays of Indian culture. Tribes from all throughout New England and New York participate and share their cultures alongside the Mashantuckets.
Weeden, a Mashpee Wampanoag from Massachusetts, said Schemitzun is like a specific form of Thanksgiving. He said Indians give thanks for everything they have to kill to survive -- plants, crops and animals.
"A lot of that stuff comes from a higher power and I want them to know I appreciate it," Weeden said. "For Native Americans, when you take something, you give back, whether it's through song, dance or a ceremony."
Weeden said tribes celebrate several thanksgiving throughout the year as various crops come in.
Marjorie Colebut-Jackson, Schemitzun chairman and a Mashantucket Pequot tribal councilor, said the celebration of corn is especially important because it sustained the tribe through winters years ago.
Michael Porter Jr., 22 and a Mashantucket, is an expert fancy dancer with the tribe. He said his dancing allows him to pass on his traditions and give thanks to those who allow him to dance.
"It's in me. It's embedded in me," Porter said. "I want to pass the talent I have down to my kids or to a younger generation."
Besides giving thanks at Schemitzun, tribal members said it gives them a chance to re-connect to old friends and family members who might have moved away.
"It's good to see natives because we're so spread out," said Ahneah Hill, 29, of the Shinnecock Tribe of New York. "All the Indians are all our extended family."
Brenda Hill, 33, of the Tuscarora Tribe in New York said the powwows have taken on an added meaning in modern times. Instead of simply celebrating survival through food, the events are an opportunity for tribes to practice their dances and share their beliefs.
"It's really cultural survival," she said.
Penni Noseworthy, 70, of Plainfield said she enjoys learning about the different cultures that attend Schemitzun. She said too many people think the Eastern tribes don't exist anymore.
"It brings a lot of people out and they get a chance to experience Indian culture," Noseworthy said. "It's about time."
Reach Brian Wallheimer at 425-4241 or bwallheimer@norwichbulletin.com