On Brigham Hill Rd. in Grafton the Nipmuck Indians held their 91st intertribal pow-wow. On four acres of land held in Nipmuck hands and set aside in 1728 as Native American property the area known as Hassanamesit, or, “The Place of Many Little Stones” was populated, once again by Native Americans as far as New York and Maine. According to David Tall Pine White tribes have gathered on this site for thousands of years. Algonquins and Abenaki tribes would travel down ancient trails and waterways to be with area tribes to dance, share food, trade and join in fellowship. Today they gathered once again. Two van loads from Knight’s Limousine brought natives who arrived at Logan earlier in the day.
It was only within the last half century that these ceremonies have opened up to the public. Anglos, who wish to learn the history and heritage have grown in numbers at these events since then. Dozens of children mingled and ran around in the rain in a mixed dress of cargo shorts, sneakers, traditional feathers, beads and fur tails. The rain came and went in waves but did not dampen the spirits at all. To the many there it was all part of the Great Spirit’s plan anyways and every one danced as “Manitou” cleansed the ceremonial circle.
First up was the “naming ceremony”. Children lined up with parents and grandparents to ask the approval of the elders to add their tribal names to the long list dating back to pre-history. Once approved they would walk the circle while onlookers repeated the names over and over so the ancestors could hear the name chosen. This ceremony is so the ancestors will bestow blessings on the child. Five children took part and received the following names: Wild Turkey, Storm Cloud, Silent Warrior, Talking Dove and Running Bear.
Next was the opening prayer. This prayer was recited by Tashanna Carter and Rana Smith students who are undergoing studies to learn traditional Nipmuck language. It was a moving moment in the entire ceremony. No photographs are allowed during the opening ceremonies. After the prayer the circle was opened and the dancers began the slow dance to the beat of traditional drums. Spectators were asked not to crowd the drummers or touch the drums. To Native Americans the drum is a living being and the sound represents the heartbeat of the Indian nation. It is to be treated with respect.
Soon the smell of burning sage filled the fair grounds as dancers were purified and told to let go of all their concerns and worries. The circle is also the symbol of life and the dancers come “to just be”. To be in the circle and be part of the greater community. There are no right or wrong dance steps. The Warrior’s Dance honors all Veterans. David Tall Pine White spoke to the crowd that the warrior protects the people and is honored for the ultimate sacrifice so many have made to keep us all safe and free.
I also managed to speak with Cheryl Stedtler from New Jersey. She is heading up a huge project to bring recently discovered dug out canoes located at the bottom of Lake Quinsigamond to the surface to be housed as museum pieces. In 2001 the MA Board of Underwater Archeological Resources granted a recon permit to the Nipmuck Nation to locate these artifacts. The location is now under Mass State Law protection. Cheryl is in negotiations with Nipmuck Council members to secure the proper placement and chain of custody for these artifacts. Known as a ‘Mishoon’ in the Nipmuck language there are at least three currently located in the mud at the bottom of the lake. I will be meeting with Cheryl and doing a full length story on this project in October when she returns for a seminar at Fruitlands Museum on October 4th.
The entire project is a 501c3 non profit venture and donations are tax deductible.
Project Mishoon can be accessed via their website at www.projectmishoon.homestead.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/projectmishoon
