Posted by I have to admit, I really miss spending summers with my mom when I was growing up. For the majority of my teenage years, my sisters lived with my mom, while I was basically raised by my grandparents. During the summer when school let out, I would spend time with my mom and step father, Byron. My sisters would spend their summers with gram and gramps.
Bryon was an Osage Indian and would do the Ceremony Circuit during the summer months although we would hit a couple Pow Wows, which are completely different, when his schedule permitted however, my mom was a huge Tulsa/Broken Arrow pow wow fan! Ceremony Dances differed in that they honored those that have passed and tribute and homage were paid to them and their families. I met quite a lot of kids my age during those circuits and had a lot of fun! Pow Wows are more competition oriented.
I guess that’s what draws me to the Shinnecock Pow Wow. I still get that “family” feeling and sense of belonging. I love that feeling of the drums pounding through my chest and listening to the singing coursing through air! It still resonates with me. And I still get to meet great people and hang out with friends Ive made over the years in Southampton where we still burn the sage together!
Then of course theres the food! I still havent had a meat pie like they used to make on the Oklahoma circuit but I’m sure if I had the chance, theyre still available! Indian/Navajo tacos are still quite popular and a staple as they should be, but theyre not nearly the size they were back then, although the price has doubled!! Shinnecock Nation sits in the corner of Southampton right along the water so it shouldnt be a surprise Lobster, Clams and Oysters are also on the menu, but for this Indian, its not my type of food! Leave me the tacos!
One thing that I do like about the Shinnecock Nation Pow Wow, in addition to all the traditional vendors and eateries, is the entertainment! For the past few years, Blackbird, the Band, featuring Cody Blackbird, has been commanding the stage with his “Alter-Native” flute music although Arvel Bird was not in attendance this year. Also on the list of entertainers were the Aztec Dancers which always put on a great performance and give a bit of history to their tradition.
I have been privileged to have the opportunity to shoot the Pow Wows the past couple years and I look forward to doing so in the future. Here are a few highlights from the 77th Annual Shinnecock Pow Wow!
Long Island Sounds 