Southampton - The 63rd Annual Shinnecock Powwow Gathering of Native Americans Contest Powwow and Celebration was held over Labor Day Weekend, from Sept. 4 through Sept. 7 at the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton. Over the four-day event, attendees were treated to a display of historical remembrances and traditions.

The American flag and the shield of the Shinnecock Nation were both proudly displayed.

There was music and dance performances; sunset fire lighting; dance specials, including fancy and traditional smoke dances; arts and crafts; food and over 100 vendors. This year's Powwow was a benefit for the Shinnecock Tribe and the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church.

The Shinnecock Nation
According to their website "The Shinnecock Nation is among the oldest self-governing tribes of Indians in the United States and has been a state-recognized tribe for over 200 years." Every bit of that long history was on display in the magnificent costumes, headdresses and jewelry donned by participating tribes who danced majestically in the on-going competitions, aided by traditional song and music.

Continuing "Since the beginning, Shinnecock time has been measured in moons and seasons, and the daily lives of [our] people revolved around the land and the waters surrounding it. [Our] earliest history was oral, passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation, and as far back as [our] collective memory can reach, [we] are an Algonquin people who have forever lived along the shores of Eastern Long Island."

As a tribute to their long cultural heritage, many generations participated in the Labor Day Weekend Annual Shinnecock Nation Powwow.

Recognizing that long tradition, attendees from all over Long Island, and beyond, came to show their respect for this tribe, and to be a part of an important ceremony that honors the Indian nation that maintains such an important role in life on the East End.

Many participants donned beautiful headdresses displaying beads and feathers.

Historical Interaction
"Traditionally, decisions concerning the welfare of the tribe were made by consensus of adult male members. Seeking to shortcut the consensus process in order to more easily facilitate the acquisition of Indian lands, the Town of Southampton devised a three member trustee system for the Shinnecock people. This system of tribal government was approved by the New York State legislature in February of 1792. Since April 3, 1792, Shinnecock Indians have gone to the Southampton Town Hall to elect three tribal members to serve a one-year term as Trustees."

However, "In April of 2007, the Shinnecock Indian Nation exercised its sovereign right as an ancient Indian Nation and returned to one of its basic traditions - it bypassed the Southampton Town Hall and for the first time since 1792 and held its leadership elections at home, where they will remain."

Allowing women the right to vote in tribal matters began in the 1990s, and at that time a Tribal Council consisting of 13 members is elected for two year terms. That Council is an advisory body to the Board of Trustees.

Friendship and smiles were evident everywhere.

Many who attended the Powwow many not be aware of much of the history and current policies of the Shinnecock Nation, but a prevailing atmosphere of goodwill and sincere interest in the art, craftsmanship and creative skills of these people was certainly evident during this annual celebration.

Today, the Shinnecock Nation number approximately 1,300 people, more than 600 of whom reside on the reservation adjacent to the Town of Southampton. The Nation still retains approximately 1,200 acres of land, including a tribal community center, a shellfish hatchery, a health and dental center, a family preservation and Indian education center, playground, and a museum, and over this past holiday weekend, a very small slice of that land was turned into a four-day celebration of a proud people, their heritage, history and crafts.

Numerous vendor booths displayed clothing, jewelry, herbs, wood carvings and other items handmade by participating tribes.