We enjoyed attending the Seaconke Wampanoag tribal powwow in Rehoboth, MA recently. Sitting outside, listening to drums, watching the dancing, browsing craft booths – a good way to spend an afternoon and support tribal traditions.
What especially struck me was the drumming for the “candy dance” for kids. We’re all familiar with the sound of American Indian drumming, with powerful cries set to a rhythmic drumbeat. But in the candy dance the words were in English. And the content: Spongebob Squarepants.
If you can imagine, the sound of pounding drum beats followed by an energetic cry: “Spongebob Squarepants….”
Inspiring – to see the powwow tradition not only surviving, but growing and changing, building excitement among eager new participants. Children’s museums here in New England often offer powwow activities. And a central message: the American Indian community is not set in a snapshot of the past. It is a living, growing community.
