After two years, Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow returns to celebrate cycle of life

Rasheek Tabassum Mujib, Cape Cod Times
·4 min read

The Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow will return to celebrate its 101st year on Friday through Sunday, with a focus that is more ceremonial than commercial and a  tribute to the 100th birthday of an important tribal leader.

This is the first public powwow gathering in two years: The 99th annual powwow was postponed due to the initial outbreak of COVID-19 and the 100th annual powwow was last year held as a traditional social, following social distancing protocols and with limited participation.

The Red Hawk drum group prepared for a past Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow, which traditionally draws representatives of various tribes and crowds of spectators.
The Red Hawk drum group prepared for a past Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow, which traditionally draws representatives of various tribes and crowds of spectators.

This weekend, the powwow will return to its former glory, offering a variety of ceremonies, dances, events and activities under the theme of “Honoring the Four Directions.” The four directions depict multiple meanings for the Wampanoag tribe, highlighting the circle of life.

When the Wampanoag people pray to their creator, they pray in the four directions: east, west, north and south, according to Winnie Johnson-Graham. “Each of these directions represents each cycle of life; each direction also represents four specific colors and four natural elements,” said Johnson-Graham, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

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In Native American culture, the rising sun in the east represents the beginning of a new day, the east also stands for wisdom and understanding, to help people live good lives, she said. Because the sun is at its highest in the southern sky, the south stands for warmth and growing; because the north brings cold, harsh winter winds, the north stands for hardships and discomfort. Finally, the sun sets in the west, representing the end of the day.

'This event is open for everyone'

This year’s Powwow is a homecoming for the tribal communities, Johnson-Graham said, since everyone who lives away from the community comes together, and will, after two years, celebrate the circle of life.

“We welcome everyone to celebrate the Powwow season with us. This year, our focus is to make it less commercialized and more ceremonial,” said Johnson-Graham. “This event is open for everyone as we celebrate everyone coming together after the hardships of a pandemic.”

The Powwow features several significant events each year, including the Fireball ceremony, the crowning of the new Powwow Princess and new Little Miss Wampanoag, traditional blanket dances, and a traditional clambake. Lobster, quahogs, clams and corn will be served at that clambake at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The "Fireball" event is due to take place at dusk on Saturday, depending on weather. It is a ritual healing ceremony for the Wampanoag people, though generally, it looks like a soccer game played with a burning ball. The traditional ball would be made of deerskin and soaked in whale oil, but these days the ball is made of sheets and chicken wire, soaked in kerosene for weeks, according to information from the tribe.

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The Fireball has traditionally been a public event. Although there is a strict no-photo policy, several spectators have taken photos during the Fireball ceremony, disrespecting the customs and rituals, Johnson-Graham said. To avoid such circumstances, the Fireball event has been postponed to later in the year.

A new addition and a special birthday

New for the tribe this year is the Three Sisters Farmers & Crafts Market — an outdoor selling venue that opened Saturday at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Government Center on Great Neck Road South. The market, which runs on alternating Saturdays through Aug. 20, is aimed at helping Native vendors sell fruits, vegetables, fish and other seafood at the venue.

“This market will help prepare the vendors better for the Powwow season, as we hope to exercise our aboriginal (hunting and fishing) rights,” said Johnson-Graham. “This is a great opportunity for vendors who faced loss the past two years.”

Bermuda Gombey dancer Ivan Trott, center, leads some of the ceremonial dances at the 98th annual Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Powwow on tribal lands.
Bermuda Gombey dancer Ivan Trott, center, leads some of the ceremonial dances at the 98th annual Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Powwow on tribal lands.

Another feature of the weekend Powwow will be marking a centennial. Mashpee Wampanoag Chief Vernon “Silent Drum” Lopez, a World War II veteran, turned 100 on June 16. Tribal members, family, and friends celebrated with a parade.

“Our chief is the most well-rounded and humble leader. Even after doing so much for the tribe and the community, he steers away from the celebrations of his milestone,” said Johnson-Graham. But “this year’s Powwow will also honor the chief for his dedication to the tribe and other clan elders of the tribe.”

The 101st annual Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow

When: Gates open at 10 a.m., Friday through Sunday; 1 p.m., grand entry; 3 p.m. clambake on Sunday; and Princess Crowning on Sunday evening

Where: Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Powwow Grounds next to the Community and Government Center, 483 Great Neck Road South.

Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for children; free for kids under 5.

Information: 508-477-0208; https://mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov/powwow-info

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: 101st Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow July 1-3 celebrates circle of life