73rd Annual Shinnecock Pow Wow Set To Unfold

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The 73rd Annual Shinnecock Powwow is a celebration of tradition and culture, and is set to delight visitors Labor Day weekend at the Shinnecock Reservation, located at Church Street in Southampton.

"The Shinnecock Indian Pow Wow is one of the largest Native American gatherings on the East Coast. As we dance upon the earth we are reminded that our culture and love for one another is the resounding heartbeat that transcends all that we face; wherever we face it," the Shinnecock Indian website has said. "We dance upon our drum. The sound of the drum and our footsteps are recorded year after year within the drum that we dance upon. . . The trees that surround our circle also record our Pow Wow's historical moments within their barks as they grow with the People. We dance with all of our relations, past and present, from nearby and from afar."

The Pow Wow begins at 3 p.m. Friday with the first grand entry of dancers at 7 p.m. The Pow Wow runs through Sunday with drum and dance contests, native arts, crafts and food, dance specials, a sunset fire lighting, and ceremonial dances. The Pow Wow concludes Monday at 6 p.m. with the awarding of prizes to competing drums and dancers.

"Cultural enrichment and the opportunity for cultural education abounds as Native American representatives from every region are available to demonstrate and share their stories to all who ask," the site said. "This celebration of tradition has been fostered by our community leaders and the Shinnecock Church to whom we are forever grateful."

Admission costs $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, children ages 6 to 12 and veterans with military ID; children under 5 free.

For additional information, click here or call 631-283-6143.