Setalcott Nation Pow Wow Celebrates Native American Culture

The Setalcott Nation, joined by a variety of other tribes, gathered for their fifth annual pow wow on July 10 at the North Country Administrative Center in Stony Brook. Opening ceremonies commenced at 1:00 p.m., despite the rain.

While the weather may have put a damper on other festivals, the rain was welcomed at this pow wow. "Think of it as the blood of your ancestors," said a tribe member into the microphone as dancers prepared to enter the sacred circle.

Prior to entering the circle, each dancer was ceremoniously cleansed with sage. The dances are believed to purify the spirit and pay homage to fallen loved ones. With each beat of the buckskin drum, members from all different tribes came together to honor their veterans.

"We're all one family from different tribes," said Helen Sells, the event's coordinator. "Our goal is to educate the public. We are proud of who we are, and we want to pass on our knowledge."

Tony Langhorn, of the Unkechaug Nation, explained that centuries ago, a pow wow was a gathering for a single tribe. It was a place where members could trade stories that had been passed down from generations. Today, a pow wow welcomes families of all tribes to come celebrate their unique heritage and share it with others..

Audience participation is also encouraged. Dressed in white, the Taino Dancers invited everyone to join them in the Friendship Dance. Native American or not, men and women sang out as they stomped in time to the drum. The left foot always steps out first for the Taino; it is a call to their ancestors.

With large headdresses and vivid colors, the Aztec dancer's regalia is exceptional. The husband and wife team of Luis and Roseanne Salinas enchanted the crowd with three dances: the fire dance, the dance of the elements and the dance of the medicine seeds.

Newcomers should know that photographs are prohibited during the opening ceremonies and many special dances.

Festivities will continue on July 11, from noon until 6:00 p.m. There will be dancing, and vendors will again be selling authentic food, jewelry and handmade crafts.