I just got back from the Shinnecock Indian Nation Pow Wow and I have to say that this year is the best one I have been to so far.
First off, the food there is fantastic, and you should go just for that. You can get Navajo Tacos, fried bread, authentic Indian fish sandwiches, Buffalo Burgers, Indian pudding, the list goes on.
It’s a family event, lots of kids wererunning around dressed up in Indian head dresses and holding toy spears or bows and arrows. There is also some incredible authentic Indian jewelry that can be bought from over 100 different vendors coming from over 100 different tribal nations, including the Cherokee, Navajo and Micmac tribes.
It really is a sight to see. Young men also dressed up in full warrior uniforms and were happy to pose for pictures with kids and just about any body else that wanted to enjoy it.
You should totally head down to the Pow Wow this year, it’s worth doing and is a great escape from what you’d normally expect to do in the Hamptons.
The Pow Wow runs all weekend long, including Monday and they stay open until 11 p.m. every night.
A young warrior
I made this video of the Pow Wow as I walked through so you can get a better idea of what it is like.
The “warrior uniforms” that you see the various Indigenous People wearing is called Regalia. Different styles of Indigenous dance that originates throughout the various Tribal regions determines which regalia is worn. If you want to learn more and enlighten your audience, attend the “Drums Along the Hudson” Native American Festival. The moderator of the pow wow gives great explanation of each region’s regalia, and a little history behind it (in a colorful & entertaining way). It takes place in Inwood Park, NYC (on 218th street) usually on the 3rd week of May. The Pow Wow takes place in the rear of the park and at the main stage in the front various performers from around the world entertain the crowd (bring something to sit on). The “Drums Along the Hudson” is sponsored by a organization called Lotus Dance & Music. Here’s the link: http://www.lotusmusicanddance.org. Sign up with them and you will receive updates when the date for 2012 is scheduled. The pow wow was great, I was there too and and working on posting some images that I took.