The Rhode Island Indian Council sponsored a powwow in the I-195 District Park in downtown Providence, RI on June 13, 2026. The gathering was an opportunity to honor survival and begin an important conversation: What is next for Native people? As the United States marks 250 years, we ask: What exactly is being celebrated, and what has that history meant for Native people? Click here for a ten-minute video of an early portion of the event.

(Above) A fire was lit in the center of the gathering as RI Indian Council Executive Director Darrell Waldron welcomes the crowd. He took a moment to address the imagery used in their event flyer (above, center). The image depicts Myles Standish marching through Plymouth carrying the head of Wituwamat. “We chose this image to encourage both Native and non-Native people to confront a difficult but important part of this country’s history, and to reflect on what Native communities have experienced since first contact. The flyer was never intended to offend”, he stated. “Its purpose is to spark conversation and reflection around important questions: • What comes next for Native people? • How do we move beyond survival toward healing, self-determination, and prosperity? • What responsibilities do institutions and governments have in supporting Native communities moving forward?”

(Above) While the drum playd, women performed a blanket dance and men performed a calumet dance. The RI Indian Council has traveled across the country and witnessed Native communities continuing to struggle for access to healthcare, housing, education, cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and the recognition that many should have received generations ago.

(Above) Children joined in as people sit under the shade of umbrellas, and Darlene Bruce Spencer offered a sample of oil that she sells. The Indian Council encourages Native people from all communities to join us in support, to be part of these larger conversations, and to celebrate the resilience, strength, and endurance of Native people.