Shinnecock Pow Wow marks 80 years. Its traditions go back thousands

For 80 years, the Shinnecock Pow Wow has opened its doors to the public, inviting people from across Long Island and beyond to experience a celebration deeply rooted in the Shinnecock Nation’s history and traditions.

But as the annual gathering marked a milestone over Labor Day weekend on Shinnecock Nation territory in Southampton, tribal leaders made an important distinction.

“This is the 80th year of our Pow Wow that is open to the general public,” said Lance Gumbs, vice chairman of the Shinnecock Council of Trustees. “13,000 years prior to that, we celebrated these ceremonies, but we didn’t have invited guests.”

The four-day celebration brought together Native artists, craftspeople, dancers and drummers from across the country, along with traditional foods and other cultural offerings. This year’s Pow Wow also featured drum and dance contests with more than $50,000 in prize money.

Beyond the festivities, the gathering served as another reminder that the Shinnecock Nation remains here, maintaining its culture and traditions while continuing to fight for its sovereignty.

This year’s celebration came at a complicated time for the Nation.

During remarks at the Pow Wow, Gumbs pointed to five ongoing lawsuits involving the Shinnecock Nation — three in federal court and two in state court — while thanking Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Southampton Town officials for standing with the Nation.

“They’re trying to stop our economic development, but these people that you just saw today have stood with us, have stood with the Shinnecock Nation,” Gumbs said.

Gumbs specifically thanked Romaine for his support and work with the Nation.

“We appreciate the work that you’ve done with the Nation in bringing us together,” he said.

Romaine, in turn, offered his support.

“We stand with the Nation,” Romaine said. “You are the first people of Suffolk, and you will always have our support.”

While the Pow Wow has evolved over the decades, its role as a gathering place has endured.

The Rev. Michael Smith of Shinnecock Presbyterian Church explained that the Pow Wow was originally held as a fundraiser for the church.

“As time went on, a split was made between the church and the Nation,” Smith said.

The arrangement eventually evolved, with proceeds now shared equally between the church and the Nation.

Smith also spoke about hospitality, something he said has long been part of Shinnecock culture.

“We were a very hospitable people,” he said. “We welcomed our neighbors into this community.”

And as thousands gathered once again for the four-day celebration, Smith returned to the importance of preserving that identity.

“We know exactly who we are,” he said. “And we gather this day to continue to celebrate us as a people.”

More photos from the Pow Wow

by Julianne Mosher