A number of tribes from Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts participated in the first Intertribal Pow Wow held at Pierce Memorial Field in East Providence on July 14, 2024. The event was organized by members of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Affairs, made up largely of members of the Pokanoket Tribe. Click here for a seven-minute video of the event.

(Above) Raymond “Two Hawks” Watson, Chief of the Mashapaug Tribe, center, leads one of four drumming groups while members of Pokanoket, Narragansett and Mashpee tribes participate in the many dances that were held in the center circle.

After intertribal dances were held, Karen “Morning Sunrise” Cahir asks Pokanoket Chief Harry “Hawk” Edwards to introduce Mark Saunders of the Rhode Island Audubon Society to speak about “Atlanta”, a red-tailed hawk that he brought with him. Click here for a 12-minute video of the demonstration.

(Above) Women gathered for a ceremony to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and held a round dance to pray for their stolen sisters. Click here for a 9-minute video of the ceremony.