NEWBURYPORT – Those who appreciate indigenous music, arts, drumming and dance will find an exciting experience next week at the waterfront here.
Newburyport will host its fourth annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 14, at the new Market Landing waterfront park downtown. The opening ceremonies kick off at 10 a.m. with the launching of a Native American canoe on the Merrimack River.
For the first time in hundreds of years, a traditional mishoon canoe, will be launched on the Molodemak (Abenaki), now known as the Merrimack. This event marks a milestone in the recognition of Newburyport’s rich Indigenous maritime history as well as a celebration of the contemporary revival of intertribal regional cultural traditions.
A team of experienced paddlers will launch the new mishoon from Newburyport Waterfront Park at approximately 10 a.m. and travel towards Plum Island at the mouth of the Merrimack River.
The public is welcome to attend the opening ceremonies which will include a short presentation by James along with intertribal representatives, Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon, Senator Bruce Tarr and city officials.
Jonathan James-Perry, an Aquinnah Wampanoag artisan and educator, is creating the canoe during his artist’s residency at the Little Compton Historical Society, using a combination of traditional and contemporary techniques. Jonathan and his team include Darius Coombs Mashpee Wampanoag, cultural and outreach coordinator for education.
The Little Compton Historical Society is providing access to the mishoon. Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury will transport the canoe from Rhode Island and with Plum Island Kayak and the Custom House Maritime Museum will provide support for the paddle.
This free outdoor event is perfect for families and celebrates the rich tapestry of both traditional and contemporary Indigenous cultural arts, knowledge and diversity. It honors the Indigenous communities in our area and all Native Peoples, while promoting the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
To begin the Intertribal Indigenous representatives, city officials and others are holding an opening ceremony, fire circle as well as the mishoon dugout canoe launch and ceremonial paddle on the Merrimack River.
Jonathan James Perry will host a presentation on the mishoon dugout canoe at 1:45 p.m.
Hawk Henries, an artist, composer and flute musician, will perform from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m., Roger Paul, a cultural educator from the Wabanaki community, will provide information about the Wabanaki Peoples of Turtle Island and their significant contributions.
At noon, the Mi’kmaq First Nation drum group will perform drum songs accompanied by dancers.
At 2:15 p.m., the Woman’s Hand Drum Group, originally from Massachusetts, will be performing a mix of traditional and modern songs in different Native languages and English.
At 3 p.m., local youth will speak about their reflections.
At 3:15 p.m., Llonecry Drummers and Dancers will perform.
From 1 to 4 p.m., there will be Wampum and Corn Husk Doll Making workshops. Other presentations and artisans will go on throughout the day.
