Submitted by Jane Raunikar, Connecticut River Museum
(August 23, 2022) —Come together for a day of stories and songs with the Nehantic Native Nation and the Elnu Abenaki Tribe. This free, one-day, outdoor event is planned for Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Connecticut River Museum waterfront lawn. Please check ctrivermuseum.org for updates and information.
Both the Abenaki and Nehantic have inhabited New England for thousands of years. The Abenaki Tribe are original natives of Northern New England and the Nehantics moved throughout the lower Connecticut River Valley and Pawcatuck Rivers.
“We look forward to bringing together artists, speakers and musicians from both the Abenaki and Nehantic nations,” said David Brule. Brule is part of the Nolumbeka Project, a non-profit organization based in Greenfield, Massachusetts, whose mission is to honor Northeastern Tribal Heritage.
The day is centered on Indigenous arts, traditions, stories and language. Presentations, demonstrations,and Native drum groups (above photo) are scheduled for the day. The Connecticut River Museum will be open free of charge for the duration of the event.
Essex Historical Society Executive Director Melissa Josefiak commented, “The Connecticut River Museum and the Essex Historical Society are honored to once again host the Indigenous Connecticut River celebration. This day helps us to make meaningful connections as we continue to learn more about Indigenous people’s rich heritage.”
The Nolumbeka Project, Inc. envisions a Connecticut River Valley where the histories, cultures and persistence of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples are recognized and celebrated, and where all beings are recognized as sharing a mutual existence in an environment of balance and reciprocity. Event collaborators for this day are the Nehantic Native Nation, Elnu Abenaki, Connecticut River Museum, The Nolumbeka Project and the Essex Historical Society.
The Connecticut River Museum is located on the Essex waterfront at 67 Main Street in Essex and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum, located in the historic Steamboat Dock building, offers exhibits and programs about the history and environment of the Connecticut River. For a full listing of Museum programs please visit www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860-767-8269.
Photos provided by Connecticut River Museum
