Paumanauke Pow-Wow Celebrates Native American Culture

The Annual Paumanauke Pow-Wow usually draws a steady crowd over an entire weekend, and the new venue at was expected to be quite a hook for the 31-year-old event presented by the Paumanauke Pow-Wow Committee, the town and the  on the .

Despite being cut short because of the heavy rains on Sunday, the managed to attract quite a crowd to the under sunny skies on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, Sunday was a wash-out, but there was an excellent turn-out on Saturday,” said Shawn Cullinane, BACCA president and Lindenhurst Village Administrator.

Cullinane added that the shift from at in to at in Lindenhurst was a favorable one.

Indeed, the new setting provided a shady and green backdrop for the family fun and the shared traditions of very ancient and sacred people.

As in years past the festival provided a cultural exchange of dance, art, craft and food. Speakers acted as key interpreters, explaining how every aspect of the traditions seen and undertaken at the Pow-Wow have played, and continue to play, an integral part in the Native American way of life.

The tribe members also defined the deep spiritual meaning behind many of these acts.

History lessons could be found everywhere at the festival – including in its name, Paumanauke. The name is derived from the Native American name for Long Island, Paumanok, which means Long Fish or Land of Tribute.

The first meaning was derived from the long, fish-like shape of the island; the other, from the tribute that was paid by the peaceful Long Island Nations to the war-like tribes that surrounded the island, in hopes of warding off being attacked.

Looking forward in the 21 century the Pow-Wow also satisfies one of the requirements of a yearly educational scholarship fund that’s been established for tribally enrolled Native American Youths.

Pow-Wows have a long-standing tradition in Native American culture, and they’ve been used in the past as both family and tribal gatherings.

In some cases these events can bring extended family members together who might not have seen each other since the last gathering.

Stories are told, hunting techniques are shared, and healing medicine is exchanged. Tournaments, dances, feasting and camaraderie are also enjoyed. In addition, blessings and benedictions are performed to bring luck and good fortune throughout the year until the families would meet again.

At the one doesn’t have to be a tribal member or dress in regalia to participate in the stories, dance, food, learning or fellowship. One only needs to bring an open mind and heart to partake of the energy and the blessings of the day.

When asked to comment about the event, Tony Moon Hawk Langhorn, chairman of the Paumanauke Pow-Wow Committee, pondered for a moment before saying simply, “We are still here.”

And with that one might find a deeper meaning, that perhaps he was not only speaking for the 13 tribes of Long Island, but also for Native Americans everywhere.

Editor’s Note: Watch for a gallery for a look at of the event, which had been scheduled for and .