Aquinnah Powwow Celebrates 25 Years of Federal Recognition
Bettina Washington leads the way during the blanket dance, with Rachaya Jette and Elsie Fantasia, at the Aquinnah tribe's annual powwow.
Bettina Washington leads the way during the blanket dance, with Rachaya Jette and Elsie Fantasia, at the Aquinnah tribe's annual powwow.
Circle dance: James Moreis, Amira Madison and Tobias Vanderhoop (with Gladys Widdiss memorial T-shirt) .
Circle dance: James Moreis, Amira Madison and Tobias Vanderhoop (with Gladys Widdiss memorial T-shirt) .
Tribal member James Moreis, second from right, gifts Medicine Man Jason Baird with an eagle staff in honor of the 25th anniversary of the tribe's being federally recognized.
Tribal member James Moreis, second from right, gifts Medicine Man Jason Baird with an eagle staff in honor of the 25th anniversary of the tribe's being federally recognized.
Jamie Spears Vanderhoop brings the next generation to the grand entry.
Jamie Spears Vanderhoop brings the next generation to the grand entry.
Keturah Peters, Mashpee Wampanoag PowWow Princess, in front.
Keturah Peters, Mashpee Wampanoag PowWow Princess, in front.
Powwow drew a big crowd: from left, Amos Sauer, Angie Waldron, Noni Madison Sauer and William Mayberry.
Powwow drew a big crowd: from left, Amos Sauer, Angie Waldron, Noni Madison Sauer and William Mayberry.
Drumbeats, the hum of singing and the waft of food led the way on Sept. 8 and 9 to Aquinnah Circle, where the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) celebrated their 25th anniversary of federal recognition at their eighth annual powwow. The Vineyard tribe’s powwow marks the end of an extensive Southeastern Massachusetts powwow circuit and included traditional instrument demonstrations, a brief oral history of the Vineyard tribe’s origin, and a tribute to tribal members who died in the previous year. A special memorial was dedicated to Gladys Widdiss, a longtime tribal leader who chaired the tribe for nearly 10 years and died in June.